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Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Lepidoptera
Sphingidae
Agrius
Agrius cingulata

Pink-spotted Hawkmoth

Agrius cingulata
Agrius cingulata
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Summary

Agrius cingulata, the pink-spotted hawkmoth or sweetpotato hornworm, is a moth in the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775.

Properties

Colors

brown
black
gray
pink
white

Size

95mm to 120mm (3.74" to 4.72")

Pink-spotted Hawkmoth

Agrius cingulata

Is Pink-spotted Hawkmoth harmful?

There is no data about harmful of this species. Don't forget to be careful.

Sientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Sphingidae
Genus: Agrius

Description

The imago has a wingspan of to inches (9.5–12 cm). Its robust body is gray brown with pink bands. The abdomen tapers to a point. The hindwings are gray with black bands and pink at the bases.

Biology

It is nocturnal. It feeds on the nectar from deep-throated flowers including moonflower (Calonyction aculeatum), morning glories (Convolvulus species), and petunias (Petunia species). The larva is a large, stout caterpillar with a horn. It feeds during the day and the night on sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), Datura species, and other plants. It is known as a pest of sweet potato.

Distribution

This is mainly a neotropical species, and the adults migrate north to Canada and south to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. It can also be found in the Galápagos Islands and Hawaii. It has been reported from western Europe, including Portugal and the United Kingdom. It has recently become established in West Africa and Cape Verde, possibly having originated in Brazil.