Hornworm University of NebraskaLincoln
The existence of a hornworm goes through several stages throughout its lifetime. From hatching as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows 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 grow.
After a sequence of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size,
calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it goes through the chrysalis stage by fastening itself to a safe surface.
Within the pupa, the hornworm transforms into an entirely distinct creature. This metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous, as the caterpillar undergoes a total reorganization of its physical form. After a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with vibrant winged appendages.
The grown-up hornworm, now a night-flying insect, seeks a mate to continue the cycle. After mating, the female hornworm deposits her ova on a suitable host plant for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm repeats again, continuing the cycle of life for this amazing creature.
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 caterpillar that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, shedding its old skin for a new one, enabling its body to grow.
In the aftermath of a series of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, calculating approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the chrysalis stage by fastening itself to a safe surface.
Within the chrysalis, the hornworm transforms into an entirely distinct creature. This transformation is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a complete reorganization of its body. Following a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with colorful wings.
The adult hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to continue the process. Subsequent to mating, the female hornworm deposits her ova on a appropriate food source for the offspring. And so, the life span of a hornworm repeats again, persisting the cycle of life for this amazing creature.
