The journey of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly develops into a caterpillar that voraciously feeds on foliage. As the caterpillar matures, it molts numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, allowing its physique 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 enters the chrysalis stage by attaching itself to a secure surface. Within the pupa, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely distinct creature. This metamorphosis is nothing short of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a total reorganization of its physical form. After a duration of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the adult hornworm emerges with colorful 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 eggs on a suitable host plant for the next generation. And so, the life cycle of a hornworm starts over again, continuing the cycle of life for this amazing creature.
The journey of a hornworm goes through several phases throughout its life span. From emerging as a tiny ovum, the hornworm slowly grows into a caterpillar that voraciously consumes on foliage. As the caterpillar grows, it molts numerous times, casting off its old skin for a new one, enabling its body to expand. After a series of molts, the hornworm reaches its full size, measuring approximately three to four inches in length. At this point, it enters the chrysalis stage by fastening itself to a safe area. Within the chrysalis, the hornworm metamorphoses into an entirely distinct creature. This transformation is nothing brief of miraculous, as the larva undergoes a total restructuring of its body. Following a period of waiting, the pupa splits open, and the fully-grown hornworm emerges with vibrant wings. The adult hornworm, now a moth, seeks a mate to proceed the process. After mating, the female hornworm lays her eggs on a suitable food source for the next generation. And so, the life span of a hornworm repeats again, continuing the cycle of life for this fascinating creature.

Hornworm Life Cycle Carolina Knowledge Center