Chequered Snout
Common NameChequered Snout
Scientific NameHypena obsitalis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyHypeninae
Wingspan (mm)31
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, ochre
HabitatGardens, waste ground, walls, woodlands, urban areas
Geographic RangeSouthern Europe, North Africa, Middle East, expanding northwards into Central Europe and the UK
Host PlantsParietaria officinalis
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on Pellitory-of-the-wall (*Parietaria officinalis*), pupating in a cocoon among leaves or in detritus. The species overwinters as an adult or pupa, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the prominent 'snout' (long labial palps), the mottled brown and grey forewings with a cryptic, somewhat chequered pattern, and a distinct dark discal spot on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized moth characterized by its distinctive 'snout' formed by long, forward-pointing labial palps. Its forewings are mottled brown and grey, often with a somewhat chequered appearance and a prominent dark discal spot.
