ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - American Snout

 American Snout


Photo by Richard Day/Daybreak Imagery 		The American snout is the only butterfly species originally described from Ohio. The Cleveland naturalist, Jared P. Kirkland, described it in 1852. Snout species take part in migratory flights of millions of butterflies that often carry individuals farther north than they normally occur.

American Snout
Libytheana carinenta

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: June, July, August, and September

• Wings: 4.1 - 5.1 cm
Description
The hindwings of the snout are pale orange with brown patches near the base. The forewing has mostly brown patches with white spots. When the forewing is extended, it is squared at the tip. The most distinguishing characteristic is its prominent snout.

Habitat and Habits
The American snout inhabits wet woods, streams, riverbanks, woodland edges, and gardens. Some authors feel that the American snout migrates to Ohio each summer and is not a breeding resident. This is supported by the fact that it is absent from Ohio in some years, or found in very low numbers. It most likely does breed in the state and is only able to survive mild winters.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
The larvae of this species feed on hackberry plants.