The tobacco hornworm, scientifically known as Manduca sexta, is a large caterpillar that primarily feeds on plants in the Solanaceae family, including tobacco and tomato. These caterpillars are green with distinctive white stripes and can grow up to 4 inches long. They are known for their voracious appetite, often causing significant damage to crops. As they mature, tobacco hornworms undergo metamorphosis, eventually transforming into large moths. The adult moths, called carpenter moths, are nocturnal and have a wingspan of about 4 to 5 inches. The life cycle of the tobacco hornworm plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as both a pest and a food source for various predators.