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What is that foul picture you say? It’s a tomato hornworm’s death by parasite. Yes, that’s right, gardeners. Let out a cheer because you have a natural ally in the war on tomato hornworms: the Braconid Wasp. These beneficials are parasitoids, a type of parasite which generally kills their host.
According to Galveston County Master Gardeners, the female wasps lay their eggs under the skin of the tomato hornworm. As the larvae hatch, they eat the hornworm, eventually killing this garden pest, and leaving the blackened shell behind. (See above photograph)
Moral of the story: if you see a tomato hornworm with a sack of white larvae, leave it. Though it may munch a couple of tomatoes before the larvae eat it’s insides, it will eventually die, giving life to the beneficial Braconid Wasp. I even had a good friend ask me if she could have some of the larvae for her greenhouse plants. Strange question, “do you have any extra larvae,” but true!
Ah, the wonders of nature. The balance of nature. Those wasps taking care of those hornworms. Very interesting. Nature always finds a way, doesn't it? I love garden pics. We do a bit of out-front flower gardening and hope to do more in the future. Gardening is surrounding oneself with beauty and life. It brings peace and fulfillment. My grandfather was a terrific gardener. Large vegetable gardens and famous flower gardens too. He lived for it.
ReplyDeleteAh, the wonders of nature. Nature will always find a way. Very interesting. We do a little bit of out-front flower gardening. My grandfather lived for it. He had large vegetable gardens and famous flower gardens to on his spread in Addison. He had to garden. There was no choice. It celebrates life and beauty and must bring a truly profound sense of peace and fulfillment.
ReplyDelete"profound sense of peace" - well put, and a great title for a future entry.
DeleteWhat a beautiful blog! So interesting and helpful! You are now my "go-to" person for plants and garden.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie!
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