Four-eyed Monster

Closeup of the eye spots along the body of a Tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). Both Tobacco hornworms and Tomato hornworms are hosted by plants in the Solanace...
Read more

Closeup of the eye spots along the body of a Tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). Both Tobacco hornworms and Tomato hornworms are hosted by plants in the Solanaceae family. Many plants in Solanaceae, i.e., the nightshades, are economically important including tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco. Many members of the family contain potent alkaloids, and some are highly toxic. The caterpillars benefit from those alkaloids, making them less attractive to birds and other potential predators. Tobacco hornworms mature into a moth of the family Sphingidae or sphinx moth, commonly known for their ability to hover.
Read less