Hypena bijugalis

Walker, 1859

Dimorphic Snout, Dimorphic Bomolocha, Dimorphic Hypena, Toothed Snout-Moth

Hypena bijugalis, commonly known as the Dimorphic Snout, is a in the Erebidae, Hypeninae. It occurs across southern Canada from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island, and throughout the United States to Florida. The species exhibits , with distinct differences in appearance between males and females. It is a species attracted to light sources.

Hypena bijugalis 306635195 by Dan MacNeal. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Hypena bijugalis P1580888a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Hypena bijugalis P1580894a by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hypena bijugalis: /haɪˈpiːnə baɪˌdʒuːˈɡælɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The name "bijugalis" refers to its dimorphic nature, with males and females showing different coloration or pattern. As a member of the Hypena, it possesses the characteristic elongated labial palps that project forward like a snout, a trait common to snout moths. Specific identification features distinguishing it from other Hypena species are not documented in available sources.

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Distribution

Found from Nova Scotia across southern Canada to Vancouver Island, south throughout the United States to Florida. Distribution records confirm presence in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in Canada, and Vermont in the United States.

Behavior

; has been observed at artificial light sources including UV lights and porch lights. Like other , navigates using celestial cues and becomes disoriented by artificial lighting, resulting in spiraling toward light sources.

Similar Taxa

  • Hypena scabraBoth are members of Hypena with snout-like labial palps, but H. scabra (Green Cloverworm) is a significant agricultural pest of soybeans and other legumes, whereas H. bijugalis has no documented economic impact.

More Details

Taxonomic placement

Historically placed in Noctuidae, but modern classifications assign Hypena to family Erebidae, Hypeninae. The "Dimorphic Bomolocha" reflects older where some Hypena were placed in the Bomolocha.

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Sources and further reading