The larvae hatch a week later and feed on foliage and fruit for three to four weeks until reaching full development. Large adult moths, known as sphinx or hummingbird moths, emerge in May or June and deposit spherical green eggs on the undersides of leaves of host plants. Hornworms overwinter in the soil as hard-shelled, brown pupae. Large, black droppings on the leaves or ground beneath the plant will usually indicate the presence of hornworms. Hornworm damage is obvious when the infestation is moderate to heavy because of the large amount of defoliation. Larvae of both species consume entire leaves and small stems and may chew large pieces from green fruit. The tobacco hornworm has 7 diagonal white stripes its horn is curved and red. The tomato hornworm has 8 diagonal white stripes on each side the horn is straight and black. The two species have slightly different markings. The hornworms are large (up to 4 inches long), bright green caterpillars with diagonal white stripes and a prominent horn at the rear.

sexta, are common pests of tomato, tobacco, eggplant, pepper, and potato throughout most of the United States.

The tomato hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata, and the tobacco hornworm, M. Tobacco hornworm (Lepidoptera) on tomato ( Lycopersicon) note reddish colored spike or 'horn' at tail end that gives the hornworm its name

Download hornworm caterpillar