The existence of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its lifetime. From emerging as a tiny egg, the hornworm slowly grows into a caterpillar that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar matures, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, allowing its body to grow.
After a series of molts,
the hornworm reaches its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the chrysalis stage by fastening itself to a secure surface.
Within the pupa, the hornworm transforms into an entirely different creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a total restructuring of its body. After a period of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with vibrant winged appendages.
The grown-up hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to continue the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm lays her eggs on a appropriate host plant for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm repeats again, continuing the circle of existence for this amazing creature.
The existence of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its lifetime. From emerging as a tiny egg, the hornworm slowly grows into a larva that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin
for a new one, enabling its physique to expand.
In the aftermath of a sequence of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the pupal stage by fastening itself to a secure area.
Within the pupa, the hornworm transforms into an entirely distinct creature. This transformation is nothing brief of miraculous, as the caterpillar
undergoes a complete restructuring of its physical form. After a period of time,
the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with vibrant winged appendages.
The grown-up hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate to proceed the cycle. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm lays her
eggs on a appropriate host plant for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm starts over again, continuing the cycle of life for this amazing creature.
The Life Cycle of the Tomato Hornworm YouTube