Tomato Hornworm
insectManduca quinquemaculata
Large green caterpillar with white V-shaped marks and a horn on the rear. Larvae of hawk moth.
Identification
3-4 inch green caterpillar with 8 diagonal white stripes. Look for dark frass (droppings) and defoliated stems.
Damage & Symptoms
Rapid defoliation of tomato, pepper, and eggplant. Can strip a plant overnight. Fruit scarring.
Organic Control
Hand-pick (most effective). Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray. Encourage parasitic braconid wasps (do not kill hornworms with white cocoons).
Chemical Control
Carbaryl (Sevin). Spinosad. Bt preferred over broad-spectrum.
Prevention
Till soil in fall to destroy pupae. Companion plant with basil and dill to attract parasitic wasps. Rotate nightshade crops.
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm