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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > Garden Pests > Caterpillars, maggots, grubs, and similar immature insects - Larger than 3/4 inch long > Tomato hornworm

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Tomato hornworm

Manduca quinquemaculata

Tomato hornworm

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Tomato hornworm

Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org


Description: Up to 4 inches long.

Where/When: Larva feeds on plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), especially tomato. Potato, eggplant and pepper are also attacked. They may also feed on solanaceous weeds, including horsenettle, jimsonweed and nightshade.

Significance: Chews leaves, potentially defoliating entire plants. Older larvae can also damage the fruit.

More information on Tomato hornworm

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