Manduca sexta L1 Rearing Notes (6/25/17-6/28/17)

Rearing notes for our Carolina sphinx (Manduca sexta) first instar larvae. Stock originated as eggs, June 2017.

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Rearing Notes 6/25/17-6/28/17:

6/28:

• And again, a shocking gain in size - they must be several times larger than when they hatched now, measuring 10 mm which is larger than the first instar in many other species
• Upon close examination, the larvae's cuticles have become granulated and there are two stripes going lengthwise down the dorsal side 

6/27:

• The larvae are growing incredibly quickly, much larger than they were yesterday again and greener
• These larvae have very soft, thin cuticles, as it is very easy to accidentally injure or squish them unlike other larvae we have reared 

6/26:

• The larvae have literally doubled in size, perhaps more, since hatching yesterday; they have become green and robust, practically ready for the next instar from the looks; interesting to note, unlike many other larvae that have a habit of feeding from the tip or edges of the leaves, these larvae don't seem to care where they eat, just sticking their mouths anywhere and making holes in the center and sides of the leaves
• The remainder of the eggs hatched; though terribly overcrowded, we stuffed all the larvae into two containers with tomato cuttings; hopefully they'll be find at this age

6/25:

See ​Manduca sexta Eggs Hatch

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Authors
Alan Liang

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