The pink-spotted hawk moth is native to the Americas, and is thought to have originated in the neotropical region. This is a common species (Agrius cingulata) throughout its range, and is a member of the family Sphingidae. Most moths in this family are robust and nocturnal, and are often attracted to lights. Their wings make a distinctive humming sound when they fly, lending some of the diurnal species the nickname “hummingbird moth.”
This species gets its common name from the line of pink spots or bars along both sides of its abdomen, as you can see in the photo above. These spots are only visible when the moths’ wings are open; during the day, their mottled grey forewings camouflage them against tree bark while they rest.
Caterpillars feed mostly on sweet potatoes and other plants in the tomato family, a habit which earned this species another nickname: sweet potato hornworm. Larvae are large and usually horned, like most species in this family. These caterpillars have been known to reach pest status in sweet potato monocultures.
Adult pink-spotted hawk moths prefer nectar from flowers with long corollae, like the trumpet flower in the photo above. These moths are important pollinators for many wild and domestic night-blooming plants.
Pink-spotted hawk moths are also migratory! Some accounts state that adults can travel from Argentina into Canada! If you never thought insects, much less moths, were important, I hope this changes your mind! Migratory pollinators are important for maintaining healthy ecosystems throughout their range! You can help them by planting a variety of day- and night-blooming native flowers on your property!
Have you seen this neat moth feeding in your yard? Tell us what it was visiting in the comments below!
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Get to know the hawk moths as pollinators in your backyard, with James P. Tuttle’s book, The Hawk Moths of North America
