parasites

Caterpillar with white parasites on its back. What are they? ANSWER: The white things on the Tomato Hornworm’s back are cocoons of the braconid wasp. A wasp lays eggs on the caterpillar then the eggs hatch the young wasps eat the host caterpillar’s insides. Then, when mature enough, they come out of the caterpillar’s skin. This caterpillar is NOT having a good day! He’s a goner, soon. This Caterpillar (Tomato Hornworm) was on my tomato plant. Northeaster United States, August 1, 2010.

Tagged as: Back, Caterpillar, Eggs, parasites, Things, White

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