I don't think they are toxic, but don't feed him cats found on eggplnt, potato, Datura and other nightshades known to be toxic. The cats are full of whatever plant they are feeding on.

Actually, I would prefer you to gently pick them off, place in a container, feed with leaves you can spare without harming blossoms, needed suckers, etc. After it pupates, send me the pupae and I pay postage. This way, some elementary kids can enjoy them and n risk of poisoning the dog. let your dog eat June bugs instead.

Tomato Worm,

'Tis always interesting to hear your perspective. Do you grow tomatoes as well? As you can tell from this forum, it would be a great source for hornworms. :)

Teresa

Teresa, I have half of my large back yard in tomatoes. Unfortunately, not a single hornworm to show for it all--and I'm sick of tomatoes, too. LOL!

For Mr tomato worm, hey just wondering, if you had some tomato hornworm pupae, why not disperse them in your garden to overwinter? Then they would be there in the spring and after their mating thing you could have hordes of tomato worms as many other tomato growers do. What a concept! LOL Paul.

Paul, so far, I only have one pupa. It will eclose in maybe 2 weeks. I plan to release the moth. Perhaps it will find a mate or if it's a female it may draw in a male. I have plenty of nectaring as well as host plants.

Life is strange. You don't always get what you want. Grow a couple hundred tomatoes and get no hornworms, which of course is what you want, or grow three dozen tomatoes and get 60 or so worms that you don't want. People with straight hair want to make their hair curly, and people with curly hair want it to be straight. Some women look for enhancement, and others would prefer reductions. What is the key? Maybe we should practice Zen, be happy in the moment. Life is full of stress, do what makes you happy, but respect others. Not always black and white, lots of gray. Paul.