Tomato/Tobacco Hornworm
insectManduca sexta
Very similar to M. quinquemaculata but with 7 diagonal white stripes and a red horn.
Identification
3-4 inch green caterpillar with 7 diagonal white stripes (vs 8 V-shaped on M. quinquemaculata). Red horn (vs black).
Damage & Symptoms
Same as tomato hornworm: rapid defoliation of nightshade family crops.
Organic Control
Same as tomato hornworm: hand-pick, Bt spray, encourage parasitic wasps.
Chemical Control
Same as tomato hornworm: Spinosad, Bt preferred.
Prevention
Same as tomato hornworm: fall tillage, companion planting, crop rotation.
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm