How Could I Be So Wrong

I am quite sure that I owe my neighborhood DEER a BIG APOLOGY .

Look at this huge, fat, 4 inch long pest who is a voracious eater ! 

I believe it is a Tomato Hornworm based on its markings and red horn .  You have no idea how shocked I was when I was walking in the garden this morning and saw two of these very large Hornworms on the tomato plants !  Of all my years of having tomato plants I never have seen any of these quite disgusting looking pests .

Additionally, I had no idea how fast they can destroy such a large amount of vegetation .  I had not seen any evidence of them or any dark green droppings left from the larvae feasting on the leaves .  However I did see wilted leaves .  But, I thought that was because of the high summer temperatures we were having .  As much as I am always checking my garden especially since I water everyday,  the sight of these was quite startling .

I really thought THE DEER  were visiting my garden .  How wrong I was .  And, I had no idea that the Tomato Hornworms ate the tomatoes as well as foliage !  Live and learn !

Once you see one of these I don't think you ever forget what they look like !

I trimmed back the plants and disposed of the pests in some detergent water .  Like I said yesterday,  I'm glad they didn't arrive earlier in the season and I was able to enjoy lots of yummy home grown tomatoes .

The mornings and evenings are certainly cooler .  The Season is a changing !

Mary