Manduca sexta
Manduca sexta
Manduca sexta (pronounced: man-duh-ka sek-sta), commonly known as the tobacco hornworm, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species is native to the Americas, with a range extending from the United States to Argentina.
Etymology
The name Manduca comes from the Latin word for "glutton," and sexta is derived from the fact that it is the sixth species described within its genus. The common name, tobacco hornworm, refers to one of the insect's primary host plants and its distinctive horn-like tail.
Description
The Manduca sexta is a large moth, with adults having a wingspan of 90-120 mm. The larvae, or caterpillars, are easily recognizable by their bright green color and the horn on their rear end. They are known for their voracious appetite, feeding on the leaves of various plants in the Solanaceae family, including tobacco and tomatoes.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Manduca sexta consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female moth lays her eggs on the leaves of host plants. After hatching, the larvae feed on the leaves, growing rapidly until they are ready to pupate. The pupa stage takes place in the soil, where the insect transforms into an adult moth.
Related Terms
- Sphingidae: The family of moths to which Manduca sexta belongs.
- Tobacco hornworm: The common name for Manduca sexta, referring to its preferred host plant and distinctive horn.
- Solanaceae: The plant family that includes many of the host plants for Manduca sexta larvae.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Manduca sexta
- Wikipedia's article - Manduca sexta
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