This is a cross post from the Insect ID forum. Wasn't sure where to post so I tried both.
I have two of these and my DIL had one the other day. They are huge and ravenous. I think they might be Tomato Horn Worms? Does anyone know what they are and what they become.
These are my cherry tomatoes. If they were going to grow up and become some wonderful butterfly or moth. I'd be willing to lose a few tomato plants.
I was wondering maybe a Lunar Moth????
The Bug ID Forum came through with an ID for me. They are Tobacco Hornworm not Tomato Hornworm. I understand that they will become Sphinx Moths. I guess I will see tomorrow if there is anything left of my plant and if they are still there I will probably relocate them.
There will be nothing left of your plant tomorrow if you leave them there. They can devour an entire tomato plant in no time.
Yea, they are tomato hornworms and I would kill them the min I see one. Forget the moth. Fran
Of course if you want to feed them and forget about having tomatoes let them eat LOL.
I usually grow a few tomatoes just to have sphinx moths around. Must relocate the buggers every so often too elsewise they'll gobble down every plant.
~ Cat
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1270/
you could try to move some to nicotiana if you have it.
They will also happily eat datura - ask me how I know, LOL! But really, anything in the nightshade family should do.
They turn into the Butterfly Moth which comes out just before dark to get nectar from the flowers . But they will eliminate your tomato crop if you only have a few .
Passifly
Sorry , Messed that one up , I ment to say the Hummingbird Moth .
Passifly
Well, I solved my issue. My son came over a couple of days ago for a short visit with GS who is 5 and has a bug house. He thought they were just wonderful and took them home. Hopefully I won't get more.
I have a butterfly garden, bird feeders and water sources so I do get things I don't want especially bees, hornets, wasps and the occasional ground hog. Ric is allergic and I have a couple of grandchildren that I don't want stung. But I have this theory that if you provide habitat, food and water you can't always pick and chose who uses it. I would have been willing to sacrifice a few Daturas but I understand that they are starting their pupating (sp) cycle and Jr is having a wonderful time watching the whole process.
Well that's great that you turned it into an educational experience. I'm glad you understand that you can't control nature. It actually does a really good job of controlling itself. I was just posting about my milkweed aphids and how a few days ago I saw ladybugs around the yard. And now - my aphids have mysteriously disappeared! It's all a delicate balance and I try not to intervene.
Melanie
I also don't try and control them, I believe insects as beautiful as these deserve their place even if it means having to sacrifice a few plants. As others have said if you provide them with what they need then we can all survive together quite happily :)
