Tobacco Hornworm

Hi Erik! Sorry, my explanation may have been confusing. They are considered pests, but will not destroy the plant it is feeding on. So in that sense, they are unfortunately mislabeled pests when they are just a native species which feeds on similar plants that people do. :-)

Please add this to my mission, "Moths of the World:" http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/8841449

If you ever are unsure of the scientific name, usually a search can turn it up. For example, search "Emerald Ash Borer scientific name" and you will get the scientific name.

The similar looking Tomato Hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata, a straight blue-black horn. The two species are commonly confused as the Tobacco Hornworm also eats tomatoes and peppers, even sometimes more frequently than Manduca quinquemaculata, the Tomato Hornworm. While voracious eaters, they will not destroy the plant to the point that it fails to produce fruits, and therefore is more of a visual pest, however in large quantities, the larva can become destructive.