Big ol' scarry moth!!!

[TanksHill]

Good morning everyone. I was hoping you could tell me what the heck this bug is. I have found two in the garden in the past 3 days. Both in my pumpkin/squash bed.

That happens to be a quart canning jar so it's huge!!!

Sorry the pic is so huge.

g

 

[Ridgerunner]

Look up sphinx or hummingbird moth and see if that looks right.

 

[TanksHill]

Looks about right. I knew it was some kind of moth. I guess I will need to continue my early morning inspections. Ick!!

g

Found it!!!

http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/hornworm.htm

 

[curly_kate]

Oh my lord! I am not usually scared of bugs but I would be terrified if I encountered something that size! I hope you live somewhere far far away from me.

 

[thistlebloom]

Oh my lord! I am not usually scared of bugs but I would be terrified if I encountered something that size! I hope you live somewhere far far away from me.

Actually they're kind of pretty when they're pollinating, they resemble hummers. Apparently they lay eggs for the evil hornworm tho'. I, personally have never encountered the worm in my garden, but I don't always have my glasses on either.

 

[TanksHill]

I'm in Southern Cal. I have only seen maybe 3 horn worms in 12 years in my property. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come next year.

The link did say that tilling usually killes the larvae. Well I have raised beds so I dont till. I think I will figure something out for next year though.

I wonder if the DE will deter them?

Gina

 

[thistlebloom]

I don't know what it is about tilling that kills the larvae, but I suspect it is the action of breaking up the soil and exposing them. You could mimic that with a hand cultivator, just rough up the soil real good in the fall.

 

[desertlady]

Looks like what I have all over my yard, Hummingbird moths. They do act like humming birds, but their Larvae is your worst enemy!! Tomato worms !