Agrius cingulata — Pink-spotted Hawkmoth

(Fabricius, 1775)

Hodges# 7771

Etymology

Agrius: Derived from the Greek word agro meaning “living in the open fields, wild, or non-domesticated.” In Greek mythology, Agrius was a half-bear, half-human giant.

Cingulata: From the Latin word cingulum meaning “belt or zone,” which could reference the pink segments of the adult's abdomen.

Pronunciation

AG-ree-us sing-yoo-LAY-tuh

Other Common Names

Sweet Potato Hornworm

Documented Occurrences

This map shows the verified sightings of the Pink-spotted Hawkmoth in Indiana. All sightings were confirmed through photographic documentation by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP).

Documented North American Sightings

GAIN LP Sightings

Date	County	Observer	Notes	Image1	Image2
2022-09-16	Boone	Jaskula, Jeanette
2020-10-14	Boone	Bratt, Kat	Adult
2019-09-21	Monroe	Bewick, Becky	Adult
2018-10-12	Porter	Joll, Chris	Adult
2018-10-11	Martin	Malad, Rick	Deceased individual
2015-09-21	Knox	Burnett, Sherry	Adult feeding

Observation Details	Images
Date: 2022-09-16 County: Boone Observer: Jaskula, Jeanette Notes:
Date: 2020-10-14 County: Boone Observer: Bratt, Kat Notes: Adult
Date: 2019-09-21 County: Monroe Observer: Bewick, Becky Notes: Adult
Date: 2018-10-12 County: Porter Observer: Joll, Chris Notes: Adult
Date: 2018-10-11 County: Martin Observer: Malad, Rick Notes: Deceased individual
Date: 2015-09-21 County: Knox Observer: Burnett, Sherry Notes: Adult feeding

Agrius cingulata Sightings by Month

Notes

The Pink-spotted Hawkmoth is the only moth in North America with pink abdominal segments.

Conservation Status

• Global status: G5 (secure)
• National status: N5 (secure)
• Indiana status: NR (not ranked)

Floral Associates

The Pink-spotted Hawkmoth caterpillars are most commonly found hosting on Ipomoea genus members like Morning Glories and Sweet Potatoes. Adult moths feed upon nectar.

Known Larval Food Sources in Indiana
Family	Taxonomic Name	Common Name
Order: Magnoliales
Annonaceae	Asimina triloba	pawpaw
Order: Solanales
Convolvulaceae	Convolvulus spp.	bindweeeds
	Ipomoea spp.	morning glories
Solanaceae	Datura spp.	daturas (jimsonweeds)