Don't Kill Tomato Hornworms—Why Pros Say You Should Leave Them Alone

Don't Kill Tomato Hornworms—Why Pros Say You Should Leave Them Alone

Robert Kramer / 500px / Getty ImagesTomato hornworms, Manduca quinquemaculata, are large green caterpillars that devour tomato plants along with other nightshades including peppers, potatoes, and eggplant.They can also be a little intimidating, as garden pests go, due to their large size. A tomato hornworm can grow up to 5 inches long and as fat as your index finger. They have V-shaped, yellowish-white markings and a black 'horn' or spur on thei…