Manduca Sexta (Noun)
Meaning 1
Large green white-striped hawkmoth larva that feeds on tobacco and related plants; similar to tomato hornworm.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The manduca sexta, also known as the tobacco hornworm, is a common pest of tobacco and tomato plants.
- The manduca sexta is often mistaken for the tomato hornworm, but can be distinguished by its distinctive green and white stripes.
- The life cycle of the manduca sexta includes four instars, during which the larva grows and molts several times.
- The manduca sexta is a popular insect among researchers due to its large size and relatively simple nervous system.
- Farmers often use pesticides to control infestations of the manduca sexta, which can cause significant damage to tobacco and tomato crops.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
Moth whose larvae are tobacco hornworms.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Manduca sexta, a moth species native to North America, has larvae that feed on solanaceous plants like tobacco and tomato.
- In its caterpillar stage, Manduca sexta is known as the tobacco hornworm and is often considered a pest due to its feeding habits.
- Scientists study Manduca sexta because of its unique life cycle and its ability to undergo a dramatic transformation from caterpillar to winged adult moth.
- The larvae of Manduca sexta have been used as a model organism in research on the developmental biology of insects.
- The Manduca sexta moth has distinctive green wings with white stripes, making it easily identifiable during its nocturnal flights.