American Snout

Natural Habitat

Damp areas, riverbanks, forest edges, and gardens; commonly found near hackberry trees which are the host for larvae.

Diet & Feeding

Adults feed on flower nectar (aster, goldenrod, dogbane) and moisture from bird droppings or damp earth. Larvae eat hackberry (Celtis) leaves.

Behavior Patterns

Characterized by long labial palpi that look like a snout or stem, allowing it to mimic a dead leaf when resting. They are known for occasional mass migrations.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans; serves as a pollinator and an important food source for birds and spiders. Larvae provide population control for hackberry trees.

Identified on: 5/17/2026