Occurrence of the sweet potato hornworm <em>Agrius convolvuli</em> (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) in the Haut-Katanga province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Agrius convolvuli (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) is a pest that feeds on young sweet potato leaves causing severe plant defoliation. This study was designed to report for the first time occurrence of in Haut-Katanga province DR Congo. Survey and observations were conducted during growing season ten cities Haut Katanga detect presence A. convolvuli. Fifty-two fields inspected season. Larvae pupae collected each city reared laboratory at University Lubumbashi, Results revealed occurs with Lubumbashi Kasumbalesa being most highly infested 18.80±11.36 18.71±8.13% infestation, respectively. The highest number larvae per field recorded alone 18.80±8.04 3.80±1.48, Classification leaf damage indicated Kasumbalesa, Sakania had high levels damage. Positive relationships observed between infestation rate (R2=0.3069; t=4.705; p<0.0001) but also (R2=0.4478; t=6.368; p<0.0001). findings current suggest could be potential threat production province.