Definition

Noun 1. The larva of a hawkmoth: A "tomato worm" is the large, caterpillar-stage larva of a hawkmoth, specifically known for its green color with white stripes. It is a significant pest that feeds on plants in the nightshade family. * Primary Meaning: This term most accurately refers to the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta), which feeds on tobacco, tomato, and other related plants. It is often confused with the very similar tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata).

Usage Notes

• The term "tomato worm" is a common name used by gardeners. Scientifically and for precise identification, the two main species are distinguished as the "tobacco hornworm" and the "tomato hornworm."
• It is used as a singular, countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • I found a large tomato worm eating the leaves of my pepper plant.
  • The tomato worm can strip a plant of its foliage very quickly.
  • Gardeners often look for the telltale signs of a tomato worm: missing leaves and dark droppings.

Advanced Usage

• As a general pest term: In informal gardening contexts, "tomato worm" can be used generically for any large, green caterpillar found on tomato plants, even if it is technically the tomato hornworm.
  • I don't know if it's a tobacco or tomato hornworm, but there's a tomato worm on my plant!

Variants and Related Words

• Tobacco hornworm (n): The more precise common name for , characterized by a red "horn" on its tail and white diagonal stripes.
• Tomato hornworm (n): The common name for , characterized by a black horn and V-shaped white markings.
• Hornworm (n): The general category for these large, horn-tailed caterpillars.
• Hawkmoth / Sphinx moth (n): The adult moth that the tomato worm develops into.
• Caterpillar (n): The general term for the larval stage of butterflies and moths.

Synonyms

• Hornworm (general)
• Tobacco hornworm (specific)
• Larva (scientific/general)
• Pest (in context)

Related Phrases

• To find a tomato worm: To discover the pest on a plant.
  • She was horrified to find a tomato worm on her prized tomato plant.
• To pick off tomato worms: To manually remove the caterpillars from plants.
  • He goes into the garden every morning to pick off tomato worms.

Noun

1. large green white-striped hawkmoth larva that feeds on tobacco and related plants; similar to tomato hornworm