Tobacco Hornworm Observation

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I predict the Hornworms to transfer to the pupal stage very soon. They have been in the 5th instar for a very long time, longer than average and the space in the vile is very crowded. Once the Hornworm is in the pupal stage I predict it to stay in the cocoon for around 2 weeks before it emerges as an adult moth. The cocoon will appear to be a brown shell with a loop like structure. As an adult moth, I predict it to be a strong flier that will mate. It will be dark grey with orange spots along the abdomen.
The hormones involved with molting and metamorphosis for the Tobacco Hornworm is controlled by three separate hormones. Those hormones include the Brain Hormone, Ecdysone, and Juvenile Hormones. The process of molting begins with the Brain Hormone. The brain hormone is responsible for producing ecdysone. Ecdysone is produced by triggering a reaction in prothoracic gland. Once the ecdysone is …show more content…

For those 46 days the hornworm spent its time in a vile with both food and moisture. The temperature for the hornworm was colder than average. I was able to observe both the egg and larva stages. The stages ranged from just 2 days to 22 days. Although my Hornworm has not yet reached the pupal stage, through my research it says it normally takes around 2 weeks.
The egg and larva stages were textbook except for the final 5th instar. There are many reasons for the delayed instar. The most reasonable would be the temperature. We had a relatively nice October and November, but when the hornworm entered the final instar it started to get cooler. We kept our house around 60 degrees Fahrenheit which is a lot cooler than what the Hornworm needs. Even with the constant lamp on the Hornworm it still could have been too cold. According to research, the hornworm will still move onto the pupal stage it will just be delayed. Besides for the final instar, my conclusions all make sense according to the websites

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