Manduca sexta is endemic to the USA, Central America and the Caribbean. The hawk moth is not present in Germany and the EU. In 2003, there was one occurrence in two tomato greenhouses in Berlin probably, by moths that escaped from the nearby university. The occurrence was successfully eradicated. So far, Manduca sexta is not listed in the Annexes of Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 or by EPPO.

Manduca sexta infests plants of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), like tobacco, tomato, eggplant, paprika, potato, and sacred datura (Datura wrightii).

Due to appropriate climatic conditions, it is assumed that Manduca sexta can establish outdoors in Germany. The establishment in southern European EU-Member States is possible, too. The presence in glasshouse crops is possible, at least temporarily.

Due to its high damage potential for tobacco and partly for tomatoes and potatoes, Manduca sexta poses a significant phytosanitary risk to Germany and other EU-Member States.

Based on this risk analysis, it is assumed that Manduca sexta can establish in Germany or another Member State and cause significant damage. Thus, measures for the prevention of the release of this potential pest should be taken according to Article 29 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031.