Agrius cingulata

The *Agrius cingulata*, commonly known as the pink-spotted hawkmoth or sweetpotato hornworm, belongs to the Sphingidae family of moths. This species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1775.

As adults, these moths have a wingspan ranging from 3 3/4 to 4 3/4 inches (9.5 to 12 cm). They possess a robust gray-brown body highlighted with striking pink bands. Their hindwings are gray with black bands and pink bases, giving them a distinctive appearance.

These moths are nocturnal and are particularly fond of feeding on nectar from deep-throated flowers such as moonflowers (*Calonyction aculeatum*), morning glories (*Convolvulus* species), and petunias (*Petunia* species). The caterpillar, which is large and horned, feeds on plants like sweet potato (*Ipomoea batatas*) and *Datura* species. Unfortunately, this makes them a pest for sweet potato crops.

The pink-spotted hawkmoth is predominantly found in neotropical regions. However, adult moths are known to migrate as far north as Canada and as far south as Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. They can also be spotted in the Galápagos Islands, Hawaii, Western Europe (including Portugal and the UK), West Africa, and Cape Verde. Some reports suggest that the species may have originated in Brazil and has recently established itself in West Africa and Cape Verde.