Most common throughout the southern and gulf coast states, this caterpillar is easily recognizable due to its distinct green hue, vertical lines trailing down each side, and its “horn” located on the posterior of its abdomen. Carolina sphinx moth/tobacco hornworm (manduca sexta) the carolina sphinx moth, or tobacco hawk moth, is a part of the sphingidae family indigenous to different parts of the united states, central america, and the caribbean islands Sexta has mechanisms for selectively sequestering and secreting the neurotoxin nicotine present in tobacco
Manduca sexta - BioQuipBugs
Sexta is a common model organism, especially in neurobiology, due to its easily accessible nervous system and short life cycle.
Life cycle manduca sexta undergoes two generations per year in northern parts of its range, three or more in the south, including louisiana
The life cycle requires 30 to 50 days to complete, depending on season, with warmer temperatures speeding up the process Female moths deposit eggs on the underside of plant leaves. Scientific name manduca quinquemaculata, manduca sexta (most common) hosts homworms feed primarily on solanaceous plants These, include tobacco, tomato, eggplant, pepper, potato, and certain weeds
Tobacco and tomato plants are preferred for oviposition Symptoms the larvae consume large amounts of foliage and 2 or 3 large larvae can virtually defoliate even a large plant
