The Life Cycle of the Tomato Hornworm Lifespan How to The existence of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From hatching as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows into a larva that voraciously feeds on
foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, enabling its body to expand.
After a series of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the chrysalis stage by attaching itself to a safe surface.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm transforms into an entirely different creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a complete restructuring of its physical form. After a duration of time, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with vibrant wings.
The grown-up hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate to
continue the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm lays her eggs on a appropriate host plant for the offspring. And so, the life cycle of a hornworm starts over again, continuing the cycle of life for this amazing creature.
The existence
of a hornworm goes through several stages throughout its lifetime. From emerging as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly develops into a caterpillar that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, allowing its physique to expand.
After a series of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, measuring approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the pupal stage by fastening itself to a safe surface.
Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely different creature. This transformation is nothing brief of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a total restructuring of its physical form. Following a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with colorful winged appendages.
The grown-up hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to proceed the process. After mating,
the female hornworm deposits her eggs on a appropriate host plant for the next generation. And so, the life cycle of a hornworm repeats again, continuing the cycle of life for this fascinating creature.
- 04/13/01:39
- Dealing with Tomato Hornworms Before They Destroy Your Tomato
