Fried Tomato Hornworms

In a large skillet, heat oil. Then lightly fry hornworms for about 4 minutes, taking care not to rupture the cuticles of the insect under high heat. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Season tomato rounds with salt and pepper, then coat with cornmeal on both sides. In a large skillet, fry tomatoes until lightly browned on both sides. Top each round with 2 fried tomato hornworms.

The hornworm is the larva of the hawk moth. It is a pale green caterpillar with white and black markings. There is a less common brown form. One of the last abdominal segments has a spine-like red or black horn that gives this insect its' name. The larva is the damaging stage and feeds on the leaves and stems of the tomato plant and leaving behind dark green or black droppings. It can grow up to four inches in length, and can strip a tomato plant as it grows!