What is this bug?
Hi,
My wife and I grow tomatoe plants every summer. Today we were looking for the last few remaining crop when she spotted this. We live in the Northeastern US (New York State, 45min north of Manhatten). Do you know what this is? It looks like a caterpillar.. Thanks,
Scott Shapiro
Hi Scott,
This is one of two species of Sphinx Moth in the genus Manduca that feed on tomato leaves and other related plants. They are commonly called Tomato Hornworms or Tomato Bugs. It has been parasitized by Brachonid Wasps and is covered with wasp pupa. We have never seen a caterpillar parasitized to this extent. Thanks for your image.
I like ThisRelated posts:
Brachonid Parasitized Tobacco Hornworm
Tomato Hornworm Pupa
Tobacco Hornworm and update with Brachonid Parasites
Tomato Bug: But is it a Tomato Hornworm or a Tobacco Hornworm
What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination
The host is more likely to be a bird pepper, a Capsicum than a Solanum based on the shape of the fruits.
Thanks for this information.