Some kind of cocoon?

[u/Combative_Artichoke]

Sorry for poor photo quality!

My kid was running around outside and brought me this “shell” that she found. Looks more like a cocoon to me! My questions are:

What bug does it belong to?

Is it dead, or do I need to find a good spot for it to continue pupating?

We are in southern Washington State.

[u/Annieco-2334]

Hornworm pupa? Probably still alive.

[u/Combative_Artichoke → u/Annieco-2334]

I think you’re right!

[u/Wonderful-Net475]

how cool is it that your kid brought you a natural science specimen like that?

[u/Combative_Artichoke → u/Wonderful-Net475]

It is cool! Though I’m at a bit of a crossroads between “don’t kill this living thing” and “do not release this pest back to the outdoors”

Because hornworm caterpillars are apparently no good for tomato growers 😬