actually, it does become a sphinx moth. it's just that the "worm" is
the pest, so that is the creature that we are most familiar with, and
that we have named. (you are talking about the "worms" that become
big fat -- almost pinkie-finger-sized -- greenies, aren't you? if so,
the tomato hormworm moth is a close relative of the tobacco hormworm
moth, Manducca sexta.)

regards,

Deborah Wisti-Peterson email:nyneve at u.washington.edu
Department of Zoology, University of Washington, Seattle, Wash, USA
Visit me on the web: http://students.washington.edu/~nyneve/
<><><>Graduate School: it's not just a job, it's an indenture!<><><>


On Sat, 29 Apr 2000 MBlanchrd at aol.com wrote:

> In a message dated 4/29/00 6:55:51 AM PST, gnatcatcher at mail.com writes:
>
> > If I am not mistaken this is the moth that produces the huge 1" x 4" big
> > green "tomato horn worm" If you want your tomatoes pruned release it in
> your
>
> I'm by no means an entomologist, but I think you are mistaken. I don't think
> the tomato horn "worm" turns into a sphinx moth.
> We need Terry Whitworth's opinion. Terry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you out
> there, oh wise and all knowing bug man??
>
> Michelle
> MBlanchrd at aol.com
> Oly, WA
>