Tobacco Hornworn Caterpillar

Description:

The Tobacco Hawkmoth (Sphinx moth) or "Tobacco Hornworm", though fun to look at wreak havoc on gardens containing vegetables from the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Hence their Latin name "Manduca" which quite accurately means "glutton". For indeed, they will consume entire tomato or pepper plants in no time! They are identified by 7 white streaks on either side of their abdomen, each streak accompanied by a spiracle, and by of course a "horn" at the posterior end of the abdomen.

Habitat:

I found this specimen, quite unfortunately in my own garden on my pepper plants.

Notes:

After noticing this guy, I found several more throughout the garden and many of my plants were destroyed.