Pink-spotted Hawk-moth
Agrius cingulata
Checklist Number69.0041 [B&F: 1971]
Verification
Record will require further evidence, at least a good photograph, unless CMR is aware recorder has confidence in identification
Classification
| Family: | Sphingidae |
| Subfamily: | Sphinginae |
| Genus: | Agrius |
| Species: | cingulata |
| Authority: | (Fabricius, 1775) |
A native of the Americas, known as the Sweet Potato Hornworm in North America. Examples were imported to Britain in 1778 and 1826 with shipments of Sweet Potato. Recently established on the Cape Verdi Islands, so further occurrences in Britain may yet occur. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 84-104 mm. The most likely confusion species is Convolvulus Hawk-moth A. convolvuli, from which it can be distinguished by fawn shoulder patches on base of forewing, a wavy grey band across central portion of forewing, pink bands on hindwing and fawn patches on body in front of first black band on abdomen. Larva feeds on various crop plants, causing sufficient damage to be a serious pest in some areas, no evidence of breeding in the UK.
