The existence of a hornworm goes through several stages 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 safe
surface.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely different creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a total reorganization of its physical form. After a period of time, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with colorful wings.
The adult hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to continue the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm deposits her eggs on a appropriate host plant for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm repeats again, persisting the circle of existence for this fascinating creature.
The journey of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From hatching as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows into a caterpillar that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, enabling its body to grow.
After a sequence of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, measuring approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the chrysalis stage by fastening itself to a secure area.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm transforms into an entirely distinct creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a total reorganization of its body. Following a duration of time, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with colorful wings.
The adult hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to proceed the cycle. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm deposits her eggs on a suitable host plant for the next generation. And so, the life
span of a hornworm repeats again, persisting the cycle of life for this fascinating creature.
Hornworm University of NebraskaLincoln
- 04/13/01:39
- The Life Cycle of the Tomato Hornworm YouTube
