Just downloading some photos from the end of the summer, and found this. Rarely can I work up sympathy for a tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata). Though the moth is quite lovely, the caterpillars really did a number on my tomatoes (and two spindly eggplants) this year, and I recall joyously taking this photo in August.
However, I’ve had a rough Monday, and can kind of relate to being covered in Braconid wasp pupae. The larvae have chewed their way through the caterpillar, to spin their grisly cocoons of death (would have made a great post a couple of weeks ago) and dangle there in the breeze until emerging. I know it is nature’s way, but, dang.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels kind of sorry for these critters. There is nothing quick about this way of death. I’m happy the wasps are there to control these eaters-of-my-favorite-plants, but wish it was easier on the poor caterpillar who’s just trying to make herself fat so she can become a moth and make more babies. It’s a vicious world out there. (I hope your Tuesday is better, Holly.)
Yep, I have those moral dilemmas all the time. Tuesday was much better, thank you SandyG!
I had forgotten to take the mint out of my raised bed and by the time I realized this my tomato plants were too big to risk taking the mint roots out. Usually I have to check for tomato Hornworms as they are a problem but this year there were none and I think that it was because the smell of the mint disguised the smell of the tomatoes.
Interesting observation, Glenda! I wonder what else mint would repel (or hide the ‘maters from)…