Manduca sexta (Lots of Pics)

[Stone]

I have recently started breeding these to use as feeders for my critters. These are Manduca sexta (Goliath Hornworms)

The larvae stage.

Closeup of the classic horn.

Pupae.

Moths. They still managed to bang their wings up a bit in a large enclosure

Moths mating.

These pics aren't that good of quality, I appologize.

Eggs, and newly hatched larvae.

 

[revmdn]

Neat-o.

 

[Katnapper]

Very nice, Stone! How long does their reproductive cycle take though? It seems like it might be a tad long for a feeder insect.... unless they are just a supplement, and you enjoy breeding/keeping them anyways.

 

[beckyl92]

they're massive!

 

[hibiscusmile]

yummers! says the girls!

 

[ABbuggin]

Nice! They get a bit longer than luna catts, but the lunas are fatter (chunky things lol)

 

[ABbuggin]

Forgot to ask, how do you feed the moths?

 

[OGIGA]

Oh my goodness, aren't those tomato hornworms? When I was a kid, they were all over this one tomato plant that I was growing. They scared the ###### out of me and I wanted to destroy them all.

 

[Stone]

Very nice, Stone! How long does their reproductive cycle take though? It seems like it might be a tad long for a feeder insect.... unless they are just a supplement, and you enjoy breeding/keeping them anyways.

From egg to final instar takes around 21 days on average. Then when they pupate, you can manipulate temps and daylight and trick them into emerging as moths within 4 weeks. You got it, I use them as a supplemental feeder and I do enjoy keeping and breeding them.

Forgot to ask, how do you feed the moths?

I usually use Petunias and sugar water for the moths to nectar from.

Oh my goodness, aren't those tomato hornworms? When I was a kid, they were all over this one tomato plant that I was growing. They scared the ###### out of me and I wanted to destroy them all.

Yes these are Tomato Hornworms.