CLOSED: tomato hornworm?

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sanpedro Espanola, NM(Zone 6b) Nov 30, 2007

These were on 2 hornworms this fall. The hornworms seemed lethargic and their color was dull. Any knowledge? I hadn't seen anything like it before.

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plantfreak78 Rolesville, NC(Zone 7b) Nov 30, 2007

Those white things are the eggs of a small parasitic wasp. They feed on the caterpillar until they mature (and it dies). Google "parasite of tomato hornworm" and you'll find all sorts of cool info.

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Nov 30, 2007

Close. They are the cocoons of pupating parasitic wasps (braconids). Adults will emerge from these cocoons, mate, and each female will then lay eggs in many more caterpillars. These eggs hatch internally and feed on the non critical insides of the caterpillar until they are ready to pupate. Then they exit and spin their cocoons. And the cycle continues... They are considered beneficial because they destroy many pest caterpillars.

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sanpedro Espanola, NM(Zone 6b) Dec 01, 2007


Thanks you guys! I thought they might be something like that.
We could use a few more of the little devils.

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