# Pink-spotted hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata) > A large, fast-flying nocturnal hawkmoth with distinctive pink spots on the abdomen; larvae feed on sweet potato and morning glory. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/pink-spotted-hawkmoth/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic.** Adults do not bite or sting and are not venomous. Caterpillars are not poisonous but may regurgitate or produce irritating fluids if roughly handled; handle with care or avoid touching. No known human disease risk. **Pets:** Not toxic to pets. Large caterpillars could cause minor gastrointestinal upset if eaten by dogs or cats, but serious effects are unlikely. Remove any large larvae from pets' reach. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Agrius cingulata - Also called: Sweetpotato hawkmoth, Pink-spotted sphinx - Order: Lepidoptera (Butterflies and moths) - Family: Sphingidae (Hawk moths) - Size: 90-120 mm wingspan - Colours: Gray-brown, Pink, Pale gray, Dark brown - Habitat: Open woodland edges, gardens, agricultural fields, coastal scrub and other areas where host plants (Convolvulaceae) or nectar sources occur. - Range: Tropical and subtropical Americas (from South America through Central America and the Caribbean); regular migrant into the southern and eastern United States and occasionally farther north. - Active: Mostly nocturnal; adults active at dusk and during the night. In warmer regions adults may be present year-round; in temperate areas they appear as migrants in summer and early autumn. - Lifespan: Adults live about 1-3 weeks in the wild (typical for hawkmoths). - Effect on plants: Crop pest (occasionally) - Pest: yes ## Overview Agrius cingulata is a large sphingid moth native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and a regular migrant into temperate North America. Adults are powerful, fast fliers that visit night-blooming flowers for nectar. Larvae (hornworms) feed mainly on plants in the morning-glory family (Convolvulaceae), including cultivated sweet potato, and can occasionally be agricultural pests. The species is common and adaptable, often attracted to lights and gardens. ## How to identify it Adults have a stout, streamlined body and narrow, pointed forewings typical of hawkmoths. Forewings are mottled gray-brown with darker and lighter banding; hindwings are paler with subtle banding. The abdomen has a row of conspicuous pink to rose spots along each side, set against a gray-brown background. Wingspan typically ranges 90-120 mm. Caterpillars are robust hornworms (final instars 60-80 mm long), variable in color (green, brown, or almost black) with diagonal lateral white or pale stripes and a curved posterior 'horn'. Pupation occurs in an earthen chamber in the soil. - Look for a large sphingid moth with a 90-120 mm wingspan and narrow, pointed forewings. - Check the abdomen for a row of conspicuous pink to rose spots along the sides against a gray-brown background. - Caterpillars are hornworms with a curved posterior horn and diagonal pale stripes; usually found on morning-glory or sweet potato leaves. - Active at dusk and nighttime, often visiting tubular, fragrant flowers for nectar. ## Lookalikes - **Convolvulus hawk-moth** (Agrius convolvuli): Very similar in shape and habits but found in the Old World (Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia) rather than the Americas; its abdomen has pink and black bands rather than a row of pink side spots. - **Carolina sphinx (tobacco hornworm)** (Manduca sexta): Adults have yellow-orange rather than pink spots along the abdomen; caterpillars are green with diagonal white stripes and a curved red horn and feed on tomato, tobacco and related plants rather than sweet potato. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Small pale eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves and stems; hatch in several days depending on temperature. - **Larva (hornworm):** Several instars of a large horned caterpillar that feeds on host foliage for 2-4 weeks, growing rapidly and sometimes causing noticeable defoliation. - **Pupa:** Caterpillar burrows into the soil and pupates in an earthen chamber; pupal stage lasts from weeks to months depending on climate. - **Adult (moth):** Large nocturnal nectar-feeding moth; mates and females lay eggs on suitable host plants to start the next generation. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Leaves of morning glory family (Convolvulaceae), especially Ipomoea species and sweet potato. - Adults eat: Nectar from night-blooming or evening-scented flowers (e.g., petunias, moonflower) using a long proboscis. - Predators of the young: Parasitoid wasps and flies, birds, predatory insects and small mammals. - Predators of adults: Bats, night birds, spiders and mantids; also trapped by artificial lights which can increase mortality risk. ## Effect on plants and gardens Larvae feed on Convolvulaceae such as Ipomoea (morning glory) and cultivated sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Heavy local infestations can defoliate vines and reduce yields. ### How to get rid of it For garden or small-scale crops: handpick caterpillars and destroy or relocate them; encourage natural enemies (birds, parasitic wasps); use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products labeled for hornworms; apply row covers to protect young plants. For larger infestations consult local agricultural extension for recommended insecticides and integrated pest management practices. ## Where and when to find it Adults at night near fragrant, tubular flowers and porch lights; caterpillars on leaves of morning-glory, Ipomoea species and sweet potato vines. - Best time: Best observed at dusk and during warm nights from late spring through early autumn in temperate zones; year-round in the tropics. - Tips: Use a flashlight with red filter or low light to photograph without startling moths; check host plants for large hornworms on the undersides of leaves. Night-blooming garden plants like moonflower attract adults. ## Fun facts - Pink-spotted hawkmoths are excellent long-distance fliers and sometimes migrate northward beyond their typical tropical range. - Their long proboscis lets them feed from deep, tubular flowers that many other insects cannot reach, making them important night-time pollinators. - Larvae that feed on sweet potato are sometimes called hornworms and can be mistaken for the tomato/tobacco hornworm, but host plant and markings differ. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do pink-spotted hawkmoths bite or sting? No. Adults do not bite or sting and are harmless to people. Caterpillars are not venomous; avoid rough handling to prevent regurgitation or mild irritation. ### Are pink-spotted hawkmoth caterpillars pests of sweet potatoes? Yes. Larvae feed on sweet potato and other morning-glory species and can defoliate vines if present in large numbers. ### Why is a large moth in my house at night? Adults are attracted to artificial lights and to night-blooming flowers. They sometimes fly through open doors or windows and become trapped indoors. ### How do I get rid of pink-spotted hawkmoths in my garden? Handpick caterpillars at night or early morning and destroy them; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar control on edible crops; reduce nearby volunteer morning-glory weeds; encourage natural predators. For large-scale problems, consult local extension services. ### When can I see them? Adults are most often seen at dusk and during the night in summer and early autumn in temperate regions; in tropical areas they may be present year-round. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/119086), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrius_cingulata). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.