Manduca sexta (Linnaeus)
Tobacco sphinx
General
- This insect is a Lepidoptera (butterfly) of the Sphingidae family.
- Main host species: chilli, pepper, eggplant and tomato.
- Widely distributed on the American continent (South and North), in the West Indies and also present in Papua New Guinea.
- Observed in the open field as well as under shelters.
Sensitive botanical family (s)
Solanaceaes |
Affected production areas :
Guadeloupe | Martinique | Guyana |
Organs attacked
Leaves | Flowers | Fruits | Rod |
Symptoms, damage
- Primarily attacks tomato plants.
- Presence of splits, holes on leaves, stems, flowers, buds and fruits.
- Up to 90% of the leaves can be eaten by this insect
Biology
- Development cycle : probably completed in 30 days in tropical latitudes.
- Eggs mainly laid on the underside of Solanaceae leaves; they are 1.5mm in diameter. 5 days are needed for the larvae to hatch.
- Larva of rather large size reaching up to 5 cm. She has 5 pairs of prolegs and a "horn" at the end of her abdomen. Five larval stages follow one another in 20 days.
- Pupation takes place in the soil 10 to 15 cm deep. The chrysalis of brown - red color measures approximately 5 cm.
- The adults are large butterflies of 10 cm wingspan.
Protection
- Observe the plants carefully for the presence of larvae .
- Frequently pick and destroy larvae that are easy to spot.
- Work the soil in order to destroy the buried pupae.