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.

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.

Description

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.

Biology

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.

Distribution

Agrius cingulata, commonly known as the Pink-spotted Hawk Moth, is considered a tree pest because its larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, causing defoliation and potential damage to the trees' health and growth.

tree pest

Agrius cingulata can be considered garden pests because their larvae, known as hornworms, feed on the leaves of many garden plants such as tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, causing damage to the foliage and potentially reducing the yield of these crops.

garden pest

Agrius cingulata is considered a crop pest because its larvae, known as hornworms, feed on the leaves of various crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes, leading to significant damage to the foliage and potentially reducing the yield of these crops.

crop pest

Agrius cingulata is considered a pest because its larvae, known as hornworms, feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and crops, causing damage to the foliage and potentially reducing the yield of these plants.

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