Tomato Sphinx

Manduca sexta

Checklist Number
69.0053 [B&F: 1975]

Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification

Classification

Family:Sphingidae
Subfamily:Sphinginae
Genus:Manduca
Species:sexta
Authority:(Linnaeus, 1763)

Recorded infrequently through accidental importation in produce from North America, a pair was said to have been taken at West Cowes, Isle of Wight on 28 August 1796. Wingspan 115-135 mm. Larva feeds on Tomato, Potato and Tobacco, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas; no evidence of breeding in the UK.