Perhaps two of the most striking moth caterpillars to be seen by the average Nevadan are those of the tomato and tobacco Sphinx moths, Manduca quinquemaculataand Manduca sexta, respectively. These distinctive caterpillars, often called hornworms as larvae, are best known as the ravenous pests of plants in the family Solanaceae, especially tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco. In most small-scale applications, the common caterpillars can be kept below economic thresholds by simply monitoring and hand removal. The moth, which is in the family Sphingidae (Sphinx moths), also contains many other beautiful caterpillars and adults that are not pests.

moth

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K. Burls and J. Newton 2019, Know Nevada Insects: Sphinx Moth, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS 19-16

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Also of Interest:

 
Bats - Essential Members of the Southern Nevada Community
Bats can frighten people, although they are so important to most communities, both as pollinators and as insect eaters. This fact sheet explains bat behavior and gives people the information they need.
 O'Callaghan, A. M. 2001, Extension, University of Nevada Reno, FS-01-53
 

Associated Programs

Master Gardeners at tabling event

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that reduces pests to tolerable levels with lower costs for the pest manager or home gardener and minimal effect on the environment. The IPM program at University of Nevada, Reno Extension focuses on identification and public education with resources for the community including classes, Spanish language resources and a pest directory.