Tomato Hornworm
(Five-spotted Hawkmoth)
Manduca quinquemaculata
Family: Sphingidae

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Eight "V"-shaped markings and black horn on rear
8 v-shaped markings


Pupa-Female - 56 mm
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Fourth Segment from wing case has slit which indicates a female 
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Pupa - Male - 59 mm
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Fourth segment from wing case does not have a slit which indicates a male
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May 6 and 7 2017
tomato hornworm

tomato horn worm adult moth

Photos - ©Nicky Davis
Tomato Hornworm, Manduca quinquemaculata, the caterpiller has a black horn and eight "V" shaped white markings with no borders. The tail is sometimes confused with the head of the caterpillar- the horn is in the rear. The caterpillar can eat tomato or tobacco plants and other plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae).  When feeding them, it is better to use the same plant throughout the caterpillar stage.  I used the tomato fruit for a while and though they didn't seem to mind too much, they did start getting diarrhea and were switched back to leaves as soon as available.

The moths have five orange spots on their abdomens

Emerged 8 - 9 May 2017
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