GROSS!
So, so gross. But, beneficial to the garden. This is the 2nd one I’ve found this week.
Tomato Hornworm Parasitized by Braconid Wasp Larva
A natural predator of the tomato hornworm is a tiny beneficial insect called the braconid wasp. This wasp lays its eggs inside the hornworm. As they hatch, they eat their way out, killing the hornworm in the process. It’s a bit off-putting to see this creature on your plants, but you’re better off letting him be and letting the wasps do their job. Once they hatch, they’ll be enough braconid wasps to keep your garden hornworm free.
As destructive as these guys are…I still can’t help but feel bad for them at this point. Those little wasp larvae really are a bit gross and do a number on the caterpillars so slowly..
I know just how you feel! The first time I was introduced to these buggers, I had grabbed it by accident while trying to move a leaf! Yuk. I’ve got at least 3 on my tomatoes, 2 on my datura and I found one on my hot peppers. all have the egg sacks on them, so I have to leave them be. The new little wasps will do a much better job of finding any other worms than I could ever do.
Linda- The first time I saw one, I thought it was some sort of rabid worm. I tried to drown the worm and saw it still wiggling around…of course then I realized it was a good thing to have these guys in the garden, but ew.
Libby- Oh man, if I would have grabbed it by accident the whole neighborhood would have heard me scream, so so so gross. But I guess it’s a good thing I’ve only found them like this instead of all over eating everything.
Yuck.