The journey 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 grows, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, allowing its physique to grow.
After a series of molts, the hornworm attains its full size, measuring approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the chrysalis stage by fastening 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 body. After a period of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with colorful wings.
The grown-up hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate
to continue the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm lays her eggs
on a suitable host plant for the next generation. And so, the life cycle of a hornworm repeats again, persisting the cycle of life for this amazing creature.
The journey of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny egg, the hornworm slowly develops into a larva that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, allowing its body to expand.
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 chrysalis stage by attaching itself to a secure surface.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely different creature. This metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a complete
reorganization of its physical form. Following a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with vibrant winged appendages.
The adult hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate to proceed the cycle. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm deposits her ova on a suitable host plant for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm starts over again, persisting the circle of existence for this amazing creature.
- 04/13/01:39
- Hornworm University of NebraskaLincoln
