Convolvulus Hawkmoth (Agrius convolvuli) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The convolvulus hawk-moth is a big gray moth with a wingspan of 3–4 in (80–105 mm) that hovers over flowers at dusk, sipping nectar through a tongue longer than its body. It is an Old World species that lives across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia and isn't known from the U.S.; its close relative the pink-spotted hawkmoth (Agrius cingulata) is the one you're likely to see in North America.

Appearance

Appearance: Mostly gray, with pink and black bands edged in white along the sides of the abdomen and a broad gray stripe down its back. The hindwings are light gray with darker cross-bands. Males are usually more boldly marked than females.

Look-alikes

Pink-spotted hawkmothAgrius cingulata

The pink-spotted hawkmoth has much stronger pink bands on the abdomen and a matching patch of pink at the base of the hindwings.

Why they get mixed upIt is a close relative of the same size and gray coloring, and it is the Agrius species found in the U.S.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Gardens
Farm fields
Towns
Range: Common across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, partly as a migrant. It is an Old World species and isn't known from the U.S.
Migration: Partly migratory, with some populations moving long distances.

Behavior

Diet: Adults drink nectar from deep, tubular flowers such as flowering tobacco and petunias; caterpillars eat leaves.
Activity: Most active around sunset and twilight, when it hovers in front of long, trumpet-shaped flowers and feeds without landing. It is strongly drawn to lights.
Overwintering: Mature caterpillars burrow into the soil and there without spinning a cocoon.

Life cycle

Larva: A large with a pointed tail horn. Most are brown, but bright green and black forms also occur.
Caterpillar food plants: Caterpillars eat bindweeds and other morning-glory family plants, and also plants in the bean, mallow, and arum families. In New Zealand and the Pacific it is a pest of sweet potato.