Tobacco Hornworm

Description:

The picture I've posted depicts the larval stage of what will eventually be a very large moth with up to 4"-5" wing spans. Also known as the Hawk Moth or Hummingbird Moth, the females lay their eggs underneath a large leaf. Once hatched and during growth, a hornworm has the capacity to strip a plant within a few days. Tobacco hornworms are pale green with black and white markings and a questionable yet harmless horn on it's rear end.

Habitat:

Hornworms are notorious for residing on tomato plant leaves, however they too can take up residence in a pepper plant.

Notes:

These hornworms retain a very large amount of water from it's host plant. When one attempts to remove the caterpillar, green fluid seeps through it's pours tremendously.