В Мейне наблюдается массовое появление крупных гусениц-роговорок, наносящих ущерб садовым культурам

Climate Chronicles: What's bringing out the hornworms? They’re big, bright, and hard to miss - hornworms are making their presence known across gardens and backyards in Maine this time of year. This weeks Climate Chronicles question comes from Jon: Why are there so many hornworms this summer? Is weather to blame? These caterpillars can grow several inches long and are often recognized by the horn-like structure sticking out from their rear end. While they may look intimidating, hornworms are simply the larval stage of a type of moth, and they can be especially noticeable as they spend their days munching on plants. Hornworms can grow 3 to 4 inches long and get as thick as your thumb. They’re especially fond of tomatoes and bell peppers, and have quite the appetite. They can strip the leaves from a tomato plant surprisingly quickly, which is why gardeners may suddenly notice chewed-up or bare plants before they ever spot the caterpillar itself. They’re known for their impressive size and the horn-like structure on their rear end. But don’t let the name fool you, the horn is completely harmless and can’t sting. Think of it more like a tail than a weapon. It's essentially a defense mechanism, helping make the caterpillar look more threatening to potential predators. Hornworms eventually become hawk moths, which are also known as hummingbird moths for their size and color. These moths are fast, powerful fliers and can often be mistaken for hummingbirds as they hover near flowers and feed on nectar. - Also Read: New playground opens at Robie Park in Gorham Late July and early August are when hornworms really start to stand out. By this point in summer, there’s plenty of vegetation for them to feed on, giving these caterpillars an abundant food source. Hornworms are around throughout the summer, but they grow rapidly and become much easier to spot as they reach their full size later in the season. Last summer we were in drought, and did not see as many. If you find one in your garden, whether you remove it depends on how much plant damage you're seeing. A few hornworms may not cause much trouble, but larger numbers can quickly take a toll on tomato and pepper plants.