The dreaded Tomato Hornworm...the tomato predator no one wants to see on their tomato plants. But this is no ordinary hornworm. This hornworm is hosting a tea party for braconid wasp larvae. I am sure no mutual shaking of hands occurred.
When a tomato hornworm is not hosting a tea party and left to its own devices, it will devour a precious tomato plant in a matter of days. And tomato plants are not their only victims, it also dines on eggplants and potato plants. Since I am in the sharing mood this summer, I share hornworms with my chickens-who then take off with the worm in a game of football.
But this particular tea party host, well, it is a keeper. Why, you say? When those cocoons are finished feasting on the hornworm, the wasp emerges from the cocoon and the newly hatched braconid wasps seek out other hornworms to feed upon and kill. These wasps are beneficial to the garden. And they are not into stinging unless cornered. And since none of the braconid wasps owe me any money, I won't be cornering any of them.
P.S. I see the little bugs on the leaves. I am coming for you aphids!