Mexican Snout Butterfly
Image: AMANTEDESAURIOS (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameMexican Snout Butterfly
Scientific NameLibytheana carinenta mexicana
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLibytheinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsgrey, brown, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, fields, riparian areas
Geographic RangeMexico, Southwestern United States
Host PlantsHackberry (Celtis spp.)
Flight PeriodMarch to November
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on hackberry leaves. Caterpillars are green with yellow stripes and feed on hackberry leaves. Pupation occurs on the host plant.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature is the long, forward-projecting labial palpi, resembling a snout. When at rest, the cryptic, dead-leaf-like underside of the wings is also a key identification feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its prominent, elongated snout-like labial palpi. The visible underside of its wings is mottled grey, brown, and white, providing excellent camouflage against bark or dead leaves.
