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Glite Dictionary
Manduca

Manduca

9.9
A group of large moths whose caterpillars eat tomato and tobacco plants
  • noun
  • /mænˈduːkə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Manduca
  • The larvae of Manduca are notorious for defoliating tomato plants in the garden.

Examples

  • Gardeners often mistake Manduca caterpillars for other types of hornworms.

  • Researchers studied the life cycle of Manduca to better understand insect development.

  • The Manduca moth is often found in gardens.

  • Have you ever seen a Manduca caterpillar?

  • The larvae of Manduca are known to cause significant damage to vegetable crops.

  • Gardeners often find Manduca caterpillars eating the leaves of their tomato plants.

  • During the summer, the Manduca moth frequently visits flowers in search of nectar.

Compounds

Manduca quinquemaculata
  • Specialized
9.9

A large moth whose caterpillars, called tomato hornworms, eat tomato and potato plants

Manduca sexta
  • Specialized
9.9

A large green caterpillar called the tobacco hornworm that eats tobacco and tomato plants

Surface Forms

Manduca singular
Manducas plural

Etymology

Manduca comes from a Latin root manduc- that means 'to chew' or 'munch'. That's why this name fits the big moths: their caterpillars chew and eat large parts of plants, so thinking 'munch' helps you remember what Manduca larvae do.