If you have sweet potato in your yard, you may have seen this guy, the sweet potato hornworm, the larval form of Agrius cingulata, the pink-spotted hawk moth. They dine on the leaves of this plant as well as moonflower and other species. Stout and colorful, the larvae demand your attention, with their dark horn and often diagonal banding, and prominently marked spiracles, the holes in the side through which they breathe. Different color morphs are known, including dark brown, a leaf green, and a very light green. When it's time to pupate, they burrow in the soil; eclosion usually takes place about three weeks later. As adults, they're hefty moths, with wingspans reaching four inches or so. At night they feed on the nectar of deep-throated flowers, such as moonflower, petunia, and morning glory, with the help of an extra long proboscis. Pink bands line the body of this Sphingidae moth, but may not be visible when they are resting. |
1 Comment
Brian Emmons
1/14/2017 05:21:23 pm
Can you publish a picture of the pupa of the pink-spotted hawk moth, please? Im finding many pupa-like creatures under the mulch in my yard-would love to know what they are, and if I should save them from my chickens! Aloha, Brian
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