Tobacco Hornworm
These huge caterpillars can do a lot of damage in the veggie garden!
Manduca sexta. These huge caterpillars are actually the larvae of sphinx moths.
You may have seen moths in your garden that resemble hummingbirds. Well, that’s what these caterpillars turn into! As beautiful as the adults are, tobacco hornworms and tomato hornworms (Manduca quinquemaculata, distingushed by v-shaped white markings) can make quick work of your tomato plants and other edibles in the garden. Chemical control is not required, as you’ll typically only find less than a handful at a time, which can be removed from your plants by hand.
