Analysis of Larval and Pupal Development in the Tobacco Hornworm (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), Manduca sexta

Abstract

A study of growth and development was performed on nondiapausing Manduca sexta larvae and pupae to determine whether a reliable method for staging the animal could be generated. Using arbitrary times after ecdysis, weights were taken and a critical time/weight range developed for each of the five stadia. Particular attention was given to the last stadium due to its transitional position in development. In the fifth stadium it was found that a gate assignment could be made as early as 36 h after ecdysis. The pupa can be easily staged by examining several key morphological features through the pupal cuticle.