Tomato Hornworm & Mystery Plant

Tomato Hornworm & Mystery Plant

I went out to check my tomatoes this afternoon and was startled to see little white spikes sticking out from one of the vines. On closer inspection, I discovered it was a Tomato Hornworm that had been parasitized by Braconid Wasps! It was quite a shock at first. I’ve actually never seen a hornworm on my plants, let alone one covered in parasitic larvae! I put it in a jar and brought it in for the kids to see, and then put it back out on the tomato plant after taking some pictures.

Tomato Hornworm and Braconid Cocoons
Tomato Hornworm & Mystery Plant

Tomato Hornworm & Mystery Plant

While I was out with my camera, I also took a couple of pictures of a mystery weed that is out next to my sedum plants. It’s over 6′ tall. Can anyone ID it?

Mystery plant
Tomato Hornworm & Mystery Plant

Close-up (sorry it’s blurry)
Tomato Hornworm & Mystery Plant

And, if anyone is interested, I took some pictures of the butterflies on my sedum yesterday and today and posted them on my LJ. Links:
Yesterday
Today

My home in Colorado Springs, CO

My home in Colorado Springs, CO

I can finally make a post!

I can finally make a post!

Finally some real success

Finally some real success

talkin’ VINES

talkin’ VINES

Three unknown trees with berries

Three unknown trees with berries

Tree ID

Tree ID