Pink-spotted Hawkmoth

Agrius cingulata

''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.
Agrius cingulata Dapa, Valle Del Cauca 2100m Agrius cingulata

Appearance

The imago has a wingspan of ​3 3⁄4 to ​4 3⁄4 inches. 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.

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.

Behavior

It is nocturnal. It feeds on the nectar from deep-throated flowers including moonflower, morning glories, and petunias.

The larva is a large, stout caterpillar with a horn. It feeds during the day and the night on sweet potato , ''Datura'' species, and other plants. It is known as a pest of sweet potato.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderLepidoptera
FamilySphingidae
GenusAgrius
SpeciesA. cingulata
Photographed in
Colombia