Made of plaster and wire, this instructional model of a tobacco hornworm was used in early South Dakota State University biology and entomology classes. Hinges on the outside allow the model to be opened to view the worm’s internal organs, which lift out in one piece. In the photograph, the 48 inch long model is being examined by three students and Professor Severin. This photograph appeared in the 1911 Jackrabbit.
Tobacco hornworms are found throughout the United States and are related to the tomato hornworms. Despite their fierce appearance, they are harmless to humans. However, their larva are common pests to tomatoes, tomatillos, potatoes, eggplants, bell peppers and chili peppers. The worm lays eggs on the leaves of the plants and as the larvae grow, they eat the plants leaves. Eventually they eat down to the tubers and roots of the plants and cause considerable damage to garden and commercial crops. The adult stage of this creature is the hawk moth.