This is interesting, see what you and Julie think. A gardener friend of mine, says she leaves the hornworms. Removes them from the plant, but leaves them in the garden. I said WHat! Why? And she said that the white lines, sometimes seen on their back, is where a wasp laid eggs, and when they hatch they eat the hornworm to survive. Wasps are good for the garden and she tries to promote that. Ever heard?
@linzelu100: It's true - you should leave the ones with wasp eggs, which will quickly destroy the hornworm. But the picture above doesn't have eggs on it - do a google image search for "hornworm parasite" and you'll find lots of pictures of hornworms with eggs laid on their back. If you find one with those eggs, it's best to leave it alone (or relocate it) to encourage the reproduction of the beneficial wasps.
@linzelu100:There are some beneficial wasps that do that. I should have put out trichogramma wasp which lay their eggs in the pupae that way you never have to deal with the larvae (hornworm). I don't kill anything unless it is doing damage and these guys will in a hurry. They can strip a plant overnight.
Wow, once again an education! I have never seen a hornworm, but if I do this year I feel that I am ready to battle them. Thanks again for such helpful information.
Add your comment here