An Incremental Analysis of the Embryonic Development of the Tobacco Hornworm,Manduca sexta

Summary A timetable of the embryonic development of Manduca sexta has been compiled to serve as a basis for physiological studies. Embryogenesis is complete within 117 hr at 24° C and was analyzed by examining specimens representing 20 stages, i.e. intervals of 5% of the total developmental time. Stage 0 denotes the newly deposited egg. Germ band formation, gastrulation, differentiation of tissues and organs, and blastokinesis are described in detail. By stage 1 (6 hr post-oviposition) the cellular blastoderm is evident and the presumptive serosal and embryonic cells are distinguishable. At stage 2 the germ band has separated from the blastoderm, and by stage 3 it has elongated enormously, …