Manduca quinquemaculata
Large caterpillars that can rapidly defoliate tomato and related plants. Despite their size, they are well-camouflaged and often go unnoticed until significant damage occurs.
Large green caterpillars (3-4 inches) with white diagonal stripes and a distinctive horn on the rear end. Adults are large gray-brown moths (sphinx or hawk moths).
Defoliated plants, often starting at the top. Large dark green droppings on leaves and ground. Scarred or chewed fruit. Stripped stems.
Two generations per year in most areas. Moths emerge in late spring, lay eggs on undersides of leaves. Caterpillars feed for 3-4 weeks, then burrow into soil to pupate.
Till soil in fall and spring to destroy pupae. Rotate crops. Interplant with basil or marigolds. Attract parasitic wasps with small-flowered plants.