I now understand, like Darwin, that earthworms aren’t destroyers, but transformers. LET’S GROW A 🦋!

I’ve come to understand, like Darwin had, that earthworms aren’t destroyers, but transformers. They consume. They transform. They change the earth. LET’S GROW A BUTTERFLY MOTH!
🌱🐛🦋
These little caterpillars play an important role in the history of the world.
Hornworms are fascinating insects that belong to the Sphingidae family. They’re commonly found chowing down on tomato plants, and they get its name because of the horn-like projection at its tail-end.
The little spots on the side of the head are the eyes.
These caterpillars have amazing fake eyes that may help it avoid predation. Any predator that is trying to sneak up on it might find it difficult if it thinks it is always being watched.
They have dozens of tiny sharp claws them help them grip the plant.
They are commonly found in North and South America, and their life cycle is quite unique.
The life cycle of hornworms begins when the female lays her eggs on the underside of leaves. The eggs hatch into tiny caterpillars, which grow rapidly and consume large amounts of vegetation.
As the caterpillar grows, it molts several times, shedding its old skin to reveal a larger, more mature body. Once the caterpillar reaches its full size, it burrows into the soil to pupate. During the pupal stage, the hornworm undergoes a dramatic transformation, eventually emerging as a beautiful moth.
Another interesting fact about hornworms is that they are a favorite food source for many animals, including birds, rodents, and reptiles. Despite this, hornworm populations are able to thrive due to their rapid reproductive cycle and the fact that they are able to quickly repopulate areas where their numbers have been reduced.
Overall, the life cycle of hornworms is a fascinating and intricate process that is essential to the health and balance of many ecosystems, and we’re going to watch the hornworm become a beautiful butterfly.
#howtowithjessie #plants #caterpillar