Snout butterflies

Definition

A subfamily of nymphalid butterflies (Libytheinae) distinguished by greatly elongated, thickened labial palps that project forward like a snout, giving the group its common name. The group comprises roughly ten species in two genera (Libythea and Libytheana), typically medium-sized with cryptic brown coloration and reduced forelegs; at rest they hold wings vertically to resemble dead leaves.

Etymology

From the distinctive elongated labial palps that form a prominent 'snout' projection.

Example

The American snout butterfly (Libytheana carinenta) aggregates in spectacular migratory flights in the southwestern United States when hackberry populations support population surges.

Synonyms

• Libytheinae

Related Terms

• labial palps
• Nymphalidae
• Brush-footed butterflies
• cryptic coloration
• dead-leaf mimicry
• Libythea
• Libytheana

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as the separate family Libytheidae in older literature; now universally ranked as a subfamily within Nymphalidae. The 'snout' is formed by labial palps, not mandibles or other mouthparts. Not to be confused with the unrelated 'snouted' butterflies in other families that may have minor palp elongation.