The existence of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From hatching as a tiny egg, the hornworm slowly grows into a larva that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar matures, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, enabling its body to expand. After 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 chrysalis stage by attaching itself to a secure surface. Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely different creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar 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 night-flying insect, seeks a mate to continue the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm lays her ova on a appropriate host plant for the offspring. And so, the life span of a hornworm repeats again, continuing the circle of existence for this fascinating creature.
The existence of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny egg, the hornworm slowly develops into a caterpillar that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar matures, it molts numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, enabling its physique to grow. After a sequence of molts, the hornworm attains its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the pupal stage by fastening itself to a secure surface. Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely distinct creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a total reorganization of its body. Following a period of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with colorful wings. The grown-up hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate to continue the process. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm deposits her eggs on a suitable food source for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm repeats again, persisting the circle of existence for this amazing creature.

tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta Linnaeus; tomato hornworm