2024 May 26

   In contrast to the particularly strikingly-patterned snout moth Hypena bijugalis shown on May 24, this snout is almost without any pattern.  Because of its lack of pattern, it was difficult to identify, but Jeremy Tatum and Libby Avis agree that it is Hypena californica.  Both of these snout moths were reared from caterpillars found within a few yards of each other along the Lochside Trail north of Blenkinsop Lake.  The bijugalis caterpillar was found last fall feeding on dogwood.  It spent the winter as a pupa, and the moth emerged two days ago.  The californica caterpillar was found just a few weeks ago feeding on nettle.  The adult moth emerged just two days after the emergence of the bijugalis.

You can see why they are called snouts.

Hypena californica (Lep.: Erebidae – Hypeninae)   Jeremy Tatum