American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Hidalgo County, Texas
No other butterfly quite like this one with elongated palps and outward appearance of a dead leaf. The orange color on top of its wings is meant to startle and scare predators, but when the forewing is folded, the butterfly is quite cryptic especially when perched among dry leaves, on tree bark or on the ground.
This species is a member of the Brushfooted butterfly family (Nymphalidae). It is a very large and diverse family with species that may not relate in appearance, but the one trait all nymphalids share is their four-leggedness. They do have six legs like all insects, but the very first pair is short looking like a small brush folded close to their head.
In this photo, however, you will notice that this individual is showing six legs! It is presumed that the nymphalids use their small legs to taste. This is especially important for females who must determine the plant's chemical composition so they can lay their eggs on the correct host plant palatable to the larva.
The larval host plant for the American Snout is species of Hackberry trees.
Family Nymphalidae/Libytheinae
American Snout (Libytheana carinenta) Hidalgo County, Texas
No other butterfly quite like this one with elongated palps and outward appearance of a dead leaf. The orange color on top of its wings is meant to startle and scare predators, but when the forewing is folded, the butterfly is quite cryptic especially when perched among dry leaves, on tree bark or on the ground.
This species is a member of the Brushfooted butterfly family (Nymphalidae). It is a very large and diverse family with species that may not relate in appearance, but the one trait all nymphalids share is their four-leggedness. They do have six legs like all insects, but the very first pair is short looking like a small brush folded close to their head.
In this photo, however, you will notice that this individual is showing six legs! It is presumed that the nymphalids use their small legs to taste. This is especially important for females who must determine the plant's chemical composition so they can lay their eggs on the correct host plant palatable to the larva.
The larval host plant for the American Snout is species of Hackberry trees.
Family Nymphalidae/Libytheinae