Larvae hatching from wasp eggs are laid on the hornworm. The wasp larvae feed on the inside of the hornworm until the wasp is ready to pupate. The cocoons look like white rice protruding from the hornworm’s body. If you see this happening, leave the hornworms in the garden to allow the adult wasps to emerge.

Do hornworms form a chrysalis?

The tomato hornworm chrysalis, along with its peer the tobacco hornworm, will remain in its pupal form throughout winter, then emerge as a fully grown moth in spring.

How long does a hornworm stay in its cocoon?

Butterflies make a chrysalis, while other insects—like the tobacco hornworm caterpillar—makes a cocoon and becomes a moth. They will stay and transform over time into a butterfly or a moth. Most butterflies and moths stay inside of their chrysalis or cocoon for between five to 21 days.