This moth is one of the species that is known as caterpillar rather that the adult. The caterpillars become very large and have a typical horn at the dorsal posterior end. They feed on Solanaceae like tomato, pepper and tobacco, hence their name tobacco horn worm. The adults feed on nectar like a humming bird, and are known as hawkmoth or hummingbird moth.
Below you can see some interactive views of the different developmenta stages of Manduca sexta. Click on the image that links to the image at the hans.smidphotography.
Interactive view of the L5 caterpillar of Manduca sexta, one day after moulting. Image width = 5 cm
Interactive view of the L3 caterpillar of Manduca sexta, one day after moulting. Image width 1.5 cm
Interactive view of a pupa of Manduca sexta, image width 4.5 cm