Manduca

Manduca is a genus of moths in the family Sphingidae, commonly known as hawk moths or sphinx moths. The genus comprises numerous species characterized by stout bodies, narrow wings, and strong flight. Members are distributed mainly in the Americas, with several species occupying tropical regions and some range into subtropical areas.

Two widely known species are Manduca sexta, the tobacco hornworm, and Manduca quinquemaculata, the five-spotted hawkmoth or tomato hornworm. The larvae of both species are large and feed on solanaceous plants such as tomato, tobacco, potato, and related crops, making them notable agricultural pests. The adults are nectar-feeding moths with long proboscises.

Like other hawk moths, Manduca undergo complete metamorphosis: eggs are laid on host plants; larvae (hornworms) molt through several instars; the final instar forms a pupa in soil or leaf litter; adults emerge, mate, and females lay eggs. Larvae are typically green with a horn on the posterior abdomen, though coloration varies by species. Adults usually active at dusk or night and are attracted to light; many species pollinate night-blooming flowers.

Manduca sexta has been a prominent model organism in insect physiology and neurobiology due to its large size, well-characterized development, and accessible nervous system. The genus also plays a role in ecosystems as pollinators and as prey for other animals.