AMERICAN SNOUT

Libytheana carinenta

BRUSHFOOT FAMILY  (Nymphalidae)

This relatively small butterfly has a wingspan of  1 5/8 to 1 7/8 inches.  The most distinctive feature is the prominent beaklike palpi which give it  the name.  Dorsally, the forewings, which are extended and square at the tips, have bright orange patches on the basal half and dark brown tips with white patches.   The hindwings are brown and banded with orange.  Ventrally, the forewing has a gray tip, but is otherwise the same.  The hindwing of the male is mottled brown and gray and the female’s is all gray.  The mature caterpillar is approximately 1 inch in length.  It is variable in color, but is usually green to yellow with white to yellow stripes and small white dots.  There is usually a black spot behind the head.  The posture is distinctive as they frequently arch the thorax and tuck the head down. 

This is a southern butterfly that reaches our area in mid-summer usually in small numbers each year.  It is uncommon here and could be encountered just about anywhere.  However, it has been seen most often around the Gifford Road parking lot.  It can also be seen nectaring on flowers.

This butterfly usually sits with wings closed.  No stages are freeze-tolerant, so the northern portions of the continent must be recolonized each year.  The host plant is Hackberries.