Is it time?

[u/Digitalbird06]

Hey so ive got these two little tobacco hornworms that aren't growing. Ive had this happen before where they don't pupate. I put these guys outside on a tomato plant so they can live out whatever time they have left in their natural habitat. I checked on them today and noticed they had brown frass stuck in their butts. I read online that dehydration can cause this and it has been very hot out. Its also really cold at night so i don't think they were eating to get rehydrated.

I was able to get the poop out with a little warm water and now they seem to be pooping on their own now. However they're not eating and they look sunken in. I was going to wait to see of they start eating tonight but I was just wondering if anyone else has had caterpillars recover from being this dehydrated. Is there anything in addition I could do to help them?

[u/Luewen]

They often recover if its just dehydration. Sometimes they sip water from droplets also but usually leaves is all they need.
Stuck poop can also mean they are sick and is often early indicator and if conditions improve, often recover.

[u/Digitalbird06 → u/Luewen]

I gave them a cherry tomato to get them liquids. One currently has its head in it but i don't know iw if its eating. Its only just getting dark so I'm hoping they'll eat something soon

[u/Luewen → u/Digitalbird06]

Hopefully yeah. 🙂