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Five-spotted hawkmoth

Five-spotted hawkmoth

Manduca quinquemaculatus

A species of Manduca, Also known as Five-spotted hawk moth

A pest in gardens with tomatoes and other plants in the nightshade family, five-spotted hawkmoth is typically active in the evening. The adult moth feeds on nectar from the flowers, and the caterpillars eat the foliage. It is present throughout most of North America, except in the southeast. The moth is most active from spring through fall.

General Info About Five-spotted hawkmoth
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Attributes of Five-spotted hawkmoth
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
White
Blue
Orange
Habitat
tobacco field; vegetable garden
Adult Food Sources
Agastache, petunia, datura, nicotiana, phlox
Larva Food Source
Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), solanum melongena (eggplant), nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), datura stramonium (jimsonweed), solanum tuberosum (potato)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Five-spotted hawkmoth is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Adult Size of Five-spotted hawkmoth
5 - 7 cm
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Predators of Five-spotted hawkmoth Larvae
Birds, rodents, parasitic wasps, spiders, ants
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Predators of Adult Five-spotted hawkmoth
Bats, birds, spiders
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Interesting Facts About Five-spotted hawkmoth
Five-spotted hawkmoth have a unique ability to hover in place, which has earned them the nickname 'hummingbird moths' due to their bird-like flying technique.
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Scientific Classification of Five-spotted hawkmoth
Tips for Finding Five-spotted hawkmoth
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Youth Habitat of Five-spotted hawkmoth
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Gardens and Open Fields
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Adult Habitat of Five-spotted hawkmoth
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Deserts and Arid Regions, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Five-spotted hawkmoth
For attracting adult five-spotted hawkmoth, one could use pheromone traps or flowers that emit strong fragrances at night when these moths are most active.
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Habitat Preferences of Five-spotted hawkmoth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of five-spotted hawkmoth are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves, especially tomato, eggplant, and pepper. As caterpillars, they often reside on the stems and leaves of their host plants, devouring foliage voraciously. Pupae generally develop in the soil beneath these plants. When searching for larvae, one should scrutinize the host plants for signs of feeding damage, and check the ground for burrows indicating pupation sites. Adult five-spotted hawkmoth are commonly found in gardens or fields with host plants, as they are nocturnal and attracted to the flowers from which they feed.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Five-spotted hawkmoth
The suitable time to find adult five-spotted hawkmoth is usually at dusk or during nighttime hours when they are most active for feeding. For finding eggs or larval stages, the daytime is more appropriate, especially when the sun is out, as larvae are typically more active then.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Five-spotted hawkmoth
For adults, mild temperatures and low wind nights are ideal. Larvae prefer warm and humid conditions, which can be found during the mild seasons of spring through fall in temperate regions.
Are Five-spotted hawkmoth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Five-spotted hawkmoth
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Agricultural Pests

Larvae of five-spotted hawkmoth are notorious for damaging solanaceous crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants by chewing on leaves, stems, and fruits. Mild infestations cause defoliation, while severe cases can lead to significant yield loss. This pest's feeding can also facilitate the entry of secondary pathogens, impacting plant health and agricultural productivity.

More Effects of Five-spotted hawkmoth

Beneficial Effects of Five-spotted hawkmoth
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Five-spotted hawkmoth, with its long proboscis, is adapted to feed on nectar from deep flowers. While feeding, it inadvertently collects pollen and transfers it between flowers, aiding in plant reproduction. It gravitates towards yellow blossoms and certain fruit trees, particularly tomatoes.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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