Hornworm

Insect

Hornworm

Tobacco hornworm: Manduca sexta (Linnaeus) Tomato hornworm: Manduca quinquemaculata (Haworth)

Sphingidae: Lepidoptera

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Hornworms

The coloration of hornworms makes them hard to see, so feeding damage and droppings are usually the first sign of their presence.

Hornworms (sphingid larvae) are found feeding on leaves in vineyards. Larvae may be brown or green with spots on the sides of the body and a distinctive “horn” on the rear end. The larvae can grow to 5 inches (12 cm) long, and they feed voraciously during development. Because of this, hornworms are more of a concern in young vineyards with limited leaf area. Larger vines can usually tolerate some leaf area loss from their feeding.

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