They have stout, fuzzy bodies, long, feathery antennae, and long, relatively narrow wings. Hornworms are one of the few pests that are not deterred by the noxious defensive chemicals in these plants.Īdult hornworms are generally known as hawk or sphinx moths, although the term hornworm also applies to them. The pale green tobacco and tomato hornworms are pests of tobacco, tomato, and potato plants, as well as other plants in the nightshade family. After metamorphosis, the adult emerges as a moth. It then buries itself in leaf litter or under stones, and begins to transform into a pupa within the protective case of its larval skin. Under ideal conditions, a hornworm caterpillar may grow to weigh 10,000 times its original weight in less than two weeks. Their digestive system often makes up more than half of the body, and some feed nearly continuously both day and night throughout their caterpillar lives, except when molting, or shedding their skin. Like many caterpillars, they are specialized herbivores that feed on leaves. Some grow to more than 10 cm (4 in) long and may weigh up to 10 gm (0.35 oz). Hornworms are among the largest of all immature insects. There are about 1200 species worldwide, and 120 species in North America.
Hornworms live throughout the world and are most diverse in tropical regions. Hornworms are harmless to humans, although a few species can damage agricultural crops.
When disturbed, the hornworm will rear up and wave its horn in a threatening display to deter predators. Hornworm, any of a family of moth caterpillars named for a prominent horn on the end of their abdomen.
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