Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Carolina Sphinx Moth

Carolina Sphinx Moth

Manduca sexta

A species of Manduca, Also known as Tobacco Hornworm, Six-Spotted Sphinx Moth, Tobacco hornworm moth, Tobacco fly

The Manduca sexta is a moth present through much of the American continent. Commonly known as the carolina Sphinx Moth, the larva has a striking red "horn" located on the back. The larva is sometimes kept as a pet by children because of its cute green appearance. If you just have one, feed it on tobacco or tomato leaves, which is its favorite food.

General Info About Carolina Sphinx Moth
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Carolina Sphinx Moth
Colors
Gray
White
Habitat
nightshade plant (tobacco; tomato; pepper; eggplant; ornamental plant; weed)
Adult Food Sources
Datura flower nectar, agave nectar, honeysuckle nectar, morning glory nectar, petunia nectar
Larva Food Source
Tomato leaves, tobacco leaves, potato leaves, eggplant leaves, jimsonweed leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Carolina Sphinx Moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Carolina Sphinx Moth
It is a moth of the family Sphingidae present through much of the American continent.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Carolina Sphinx Moth
Much of the American continent
Rectangle
Appearance of Carolina Sphinx Moth
The larvae of these species can be distinguished by their lateral markings: Tomato hornworms have eight V-shaped white markings with no borders; carolina Sphinx Moths have seven white diagonal lines with a black border. Additionally, carolina Sphinx Moths have red horns, while tomato hornworms have dark blue or black horns. Manduca sexta eggs are spherical, and translucent green. Manduca sexta larvae are green and grow up to 7 cm in length. Adult Manduca sexta have narrow wings with a wing span of approximately 10 cm.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Carolina Sphinx Moth?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Carolina Sphinx Moth
Egg The egg of carolina Sphinx Moth is small and spherical. The color can range from white to pale green depending on the species. The egg serves as a protective enclosure for the developing embryo, who receives nourishment from the egg yolk.
Larva As a caterpillar, carolina Sphinx Moth exhibits dramatic growth, molting several times. Initially, larvae are minute with basic structures but rapidly increase in size and complexity. Distinctive features like chewing mouthparts for feeding and prolegs for mobility evolve.
Pupal Inside the pupa, carolina Sphinx Moth undergoes extensive transformation. At this stage, the pupa is generally immobile, with a hardened outer shell. Color varies, often camouflaged, providing defense against predation as internal restructuring occurs.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult carolina Sphinx Moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Carolina Sphinx Moth
Wingspan 9 - 12 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Carolina Sphinx Moth Larvae
Ants, wasps, spiders, birds
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Carolina Sphinx Moth
Bats, birds, spiders
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Carolina Sphinx Moth
Tips for Finding Carolina Sphinx Moth
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Carolina Sphinx Moth
For adult carolina Sphinx Moth, sweet-scented baits such as fermented fruit or nectar-rich flowers can be used as lures.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Carolina Sphinx Moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of carolina Sphinx Moth can be commonly found on the underside of leaves of Solanaceae plants. Upon hatching, caterpillars feed on the same host plants, growing through several instars. To locate the caterpillars, search the leaves and stems of tobacco, tomato, and related plants, as they favor these for feeding. Pupae are generally located in the soil beneath the host plants. For observing pupation, it's best to sift through the top layer of soil. Adults, as flying moths that are nocturnal, are commonly seen near flowers with deep blooms, such as evening primrose or petunias, as they feed on nectar at night. Searching for adults involves visiting floral-rich areas during dusk or at night when they are most active.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Carolina Sphinx Moth
The suitable time to observe or find adult carolina Sphinx Moth is typically at dusk or during the night, as this is when they are most active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Carolina Sphinx Moth
Mild, warm, and humid conditions are usually more suitable for finding carolina Sphinx Moth as they prefer not to be active during cold or inclement weather.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Carolina Sphinx Moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Carolina Sphinx Moth eggs are very small and can be found laid singly on the underside of leaves of host plants. To locate them, inspect the leaves of tomato, tobacco, and other solanaceous plants closely.
Larva During the larval stage, carolina Sphinx Moth caterpillars can be found on host plants, often munching on leaves. Look for them on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves of plants they typically feed on, such as tomato, eggplant, and potato.
Pupal Carolina Sphinx Moth chrysalises are usually found in loose soil or leaf litter near the host plants. Searching in these areas carefully can reveal the pupae, but disturbance should be minimized to avoid harming them.
Adult Adult carolina Sphinx Moth can be found by setting up light traps at night or by planting nectar-rich flowers in gardens. They are also attracted to fermented fruit bait set out in the evening.
Are Carolina Sphinx Moth harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Carolina Sphinx Moth
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

Larvae of carolina Sphinx Moth defoliate host plants, leading to reduced photosynthesis. Heavy infestations can cause complete defoliation, resulting in stunted growth or plant death. This damage may lead to significant yield loss and thus affect agricultural economies.

More Effects of Carolina Sphinx Moth

Beneficial Effects of Carolina Sphinx Moth
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.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Tubular Flowers
Pollination Behavior Reason
Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Carolina Sphinx Moth is a nocturnal pollinator with a preference for tubular flowers. They are attracted by the color and shape of these flowers, navigating to them under the darkness of night. While consuming the nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen, contributing to the fertilization of the plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Carolina Sphinx Moth
Titan sphinx
Titan sphinx

The wingspan is 6 - 7 cm . The body is dark brown with a wide white stripe across the abdomen. The wings are dark brown and the upperside of the forewing has a black spot at the end of the cell and two bands of translucent white spots. The upperside of the hindwing has pale patches along the costa and inner margin.

Read More
Arrow
Mango hawkmoth
Mango hawkmoth

The wingspan is 13 - 17 cm .

Read More
Arrow
Elibia dolichus
Elibia dolichus

Elibia dolichus is a moth of the family Sphingidae first described by John O. Westwood in 1847. It is found in Nepal, north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Thailand, southern China, Malaysia (Peninsular, Sarawak, Sabah), Indonesia (Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java) to the Philippines (Palawan Island).

Read More
Arrow
Mournful sphinx
Mournful sphinx

The mournful sphinx (Enyo lugubris) most likely gets its name from the somber colors that make us think of a desert environment, with deep, dark browns. Other people think that it may be related to its droopy posture, but this is just speculation. The insect is also attracted to lights, meaning it flies and is difficult to spot during the nighttime.

Read More
Arrow
Southern pine sphinx
Southern pine sphinx

The wingspan is 50–57 mm. The forewing is grey with two or three black stripes in the middle of the wing. Other marking are vague.

Read More
Arrow
Northern pine sphinx
Northern pine sphinx

The wingspan is 45–60 mm.

Read More
Arrow
Tetrio sphinx
Tetrio sphinx

The distinct larva of tetrio sphinx is recognizable by its rugged, yellow and black striped body with a red posterior horn, while the adult transitions into a creature with shades of grey, brown, and black veiled wings. Indigenous to tropical climates, this species primarily feeds on the leaves of Apocynaceae family plants during its larval stage, and as an adult, it exhibits a promiscuous pollen-transfer behavior, which contributes to plant biodiversity by pollinating a variety of tropical flora.

Read More
Arrow
Cerberonoton rubescens
Cerberonoton rubescens

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow