Tomato Hornworm – Five-spotted Hawk Moth – Manduca quinquemaculata – Tobacco Hornwormed – Carolina Sphinx – Manduca sexta

Tomato Hornworm – Five-spotted Hawk Moth – Manduca quinquemaculata  – Tobacco Hornworm – Carolina Sphinx – Manduca sexta   Scientific name: Manduca quinquemaculata, manduca sexta Common name: Tomato hornworm, five spotted hawk moth, tobacco hornworm, Carolina sphinx   Appearance: Tomato and tobacco hornworms are closely related species with almost the same appearance and damaging properties. They are approximately 100 mm long with a cylindrical body and four pairs of prolegs. Adult moths also have characteristic “V” or striped patterns on their back and a tail spine distinguishing them from other worms. They are both green in color with long, coiled tube-like mouthparts. The larvae of tomato and tobacco hornworms are brown with a handle structure in which the mouthparts develop.   Host plants or food: Tomato and tobacco hornworms mainly attack the members of the family Solanacae, nightshade, and tobacco. Typical host plants include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant.   Territory: Throughout North America   Mode of damage: Adult tomato and tobacco hornworms have tube-like mouthparts that permit them to suck the nectar from flowers. The larvae have chewing mouthparts, hence called leaf chewers. In case of extremely high populations, such that the foliage of the crops runs out, the larvae may also feed on fruits, flowers, and stems.   Habits and life history   Tomato and tobacco hornworms go through all four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva starts feeding on the upper canopy of the foliage first and gradually moves downwards. It is the most active from dusk till dawn. After emerging from the eggs, the larva drops to the ground, where it buries deep into the soil and pupates. In mid-spring, the pupae emerge as adults, mate, and restart the cycle. They produce 1 to 2 generations per year.