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Green Caterpillar with Parasite? #730512

Asked October 13, 2020, 11:53 PM EDT

I found this caterpillar in Lake County near Baldwin. It looks like it’s maybe a Sphinx Moth? And are the brown things on it a parasite or growth? Thanks! Todd

Lake County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello,

This looks like a tomato hornworn, that as an adult is a type of hawkmoth.

The objects on its body are the pupae of parasitoid wasps.

Here are references- https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/hornworm-tomato

 https://extension.entm.purdue.edu/radicalbugs/default.php?page=pests/tobacco_hornworm

 

Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied October 14, 2020, 12:16 AM EDT

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