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Tobacco hornworm with tobacco plant
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Tobacco hornworm with tobacco plant
Tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) with a damaged tobacco plant, artwork. This species is common throughout North America. Eggs (right, lower) are laid on the underside of the leaves of the tobacco plant (Nicotiana sp.). These hatch into larvae (right, second from bottom) that feed on the plant. Although the nicotine in the leaves is toxic to many organisms, the hornworm larvae are able to sequester and secrete it. The damage to the plant by feeding larvae can be seen on the lower leaves. The larvae bury themselves in the ground to form a pupa (right, second from top). After about 18 days the adult moth (right, top) emerges
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6292627
© LIZZIE HARPER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Agricultural Agriculture Caterpillar Commercial Crop Crop Damage Damage Damaged Diseases Eating Economic Farming Feeding Instar Larva Larvae Metamorphosis Moth Pathogens Pathology Pest Pests Tobacco Horticultural Nicotiana
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate relationship between a tobacco hornworm and a tobacco plant. The artwork captures the destructive nature of this common species, Manduca sexta, found throughout North America. Eggs can be seen delicately attached to the underside of tobacco leaves, which later hatch into voracious larvae that feed on the plant. Interestingly, while nicotine in the leaves is toxic to many organisms, these resilient hornworm larvae have evolved a unique ability to sequester and secrete it without harm. The damage caused by their feeding can be observed on the lower leaves of the plant, highlighting their impact on agricultural crops. The life cycle of this fascinating insect unfolds before our eyes in this illustration. After feeding and growing as larvae, they eventually bury themselves in the ground to undergo metamorphosis and form pupae. Approximately 18 days later, an adult moth emerges from its cocoon with delicate wings ready for flight. This image not only highlights aspects of biology but also sheds light on economic factors related to crop damage caused by pests like tobacco hornworms. It serves as a reminder of how intricately intertwined our human activities are with nature's processes and how we must find sustainable ways to coexist with wildlife for both ecological balance and agricultural productivity.
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