Pest Profile

Photo credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org; Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org

Common Name: Hornworm/ Five-spotted Hawk Moth

Scientific Name: quinquemaculata

Order and Family: ;

Size and Appearance: Tomato hornworm larvae begin as white to yellow in color, becoming green as they develop. Although the larvae are generally green, they may also be a dark green or black. At maturity the larval body can be 4 inches long. This derives its name from the “horn” that is on the last segment of the body. The horn is usually black, and is straighter than the horn on the hornworm. The tomato hornworm have 5 pairs of prolegs (not true legs). These larvae have distinct markings as a series of white V-shaped marks along their sides. Adults are sometimes referred to as hummingbird moths. They have a wingspan of 5 inches. The front wings are narrow, and a mottled gray-brown color. The hind wings have alternating light and dark bands. Located on the sides of the abdomen of the adult are yellow spots.

Length (mm) Appearance

Egg 1.5mm Light green colored; smooth and oval shaped; eggs are laid singly on leaf underside

Larva/Nymph 4 in Body color yellow or white at first, changing green as it grows, can be dark green or black; black straight horn on rear of abdomen; eight distinct V-shaped markings along each side of body that are white in color; 5 pairs of prolegs.

Adult 5 in Mottled gray-brown color; front wings narrow; hind wings with alternating light and dark bands; yellow spots on sides of abdomen. (if applicable) 2 in Reddish brown in color; elongate oval shaped; rear is pointed; loop on head that extends 1/3 body length.

Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Larvae: chewing; Adult: siphoning

Host plant/s: The host plants for tomato hornworm are not only tomatoes, but also include peppers, potatoes, , and other solanaceous plants.

Description of Damage (larvae and adults): The larvae chew on the leaves of plants and defoliate them rapidly. Generally, larvae feed on the leaves of the upper portions of solanaceous plants. Larvae may also feed on fruits and blossoms. During the final instar, larvae consume as much as all of the previous instars put together.

References:

Cranshaw, W. (2004). Chapter Three: Leaf Chewers – Tomato Hornworm/Five-spotted Hawk Moth. In Garden of North America: The ultimate guide to backyard bugs. (pp. 146). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Tobacco/Tomato Hornworm – vegetables. (n.d.). University of Maryland Extension. Retrieved March 2, 2017 from: http://extension.umd.edu/growit/insects/tobaccotomato-hornworm

Tomato Hornworms. (2013, December). UC Pest Management Guidelines. University of California. Retrieved March 2, 2017 from: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r783301111.html

Wold-Burkness, S., Hahn., J. (2007). Tomato hornworms in home gardens. University of Minnesota. Retrieved from http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/tomato-hornworms-in- home-gardens/