# Baltimore Snout (*hypena baltimoralis*) The Baltimore Snout (Hypena baltimoralis) is a fascinating, small-to-medium-sized moth native to the deciduous forests of eastern North America. Named for its elongated, snout-like mouthparts (palpi) that extend prominently from its head, this species is a master of camouflage. When at rest among leaf litter or tree bark, its cryptic patterns allow it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, protecting it from daytime predators. While it may easily go unnoticed by the casual observer, the Baltimore Snout plays a quiet but vital role in its ecosystem. Its caterpillars rely heavily on maple trees, processing foliage and converting it into a food source for local birds and predatory insects, while the adults serve as nighttime pollinators and prey for bats. For moth enthusiasts, spotting their distinctively scalloped, two-toned wings near a porch light is always a delightful find. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 5 - **Habitat:** Found primarily in deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and suburban habitats where their maple tree host plants are abundant. ![Baltimore Snout](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/3538850/medium.jpg) Photo: Fyn Kynd Photography, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/3538850) ## Appearance The Baltimore Snout is characterized by its elongated, prominent labial palpi that project forward like a snout. It has a wingspan ranging from 2.6 to 3.2 centimeters. The forewings display a striking, contrasting pattern: the inner two-thirds are typically dark brown or purplish-black, bordered by a sharp, wavy, whitish line, while the outer third is a much lighter grayish-brown or tan. This disruptive coloration breaks up the moth's outline, mimicking a dead leaf or a piece of peeling bark. The hindwings are generally a uniform, plain grayish-brown. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Hypena ## Interesting facts - Despite its common name, the snout of the Baltimore Snout is not a nose, but rather a pair of highly developed mouthparts called labial palpi. - The Baltimore Snout is highly dependent on maples; where there are no maple trees, you are highly unlikely to ever find this moth. - They belong to a subfamily of moths often called snout moths, which includes dozens of species that all sport similarly impressive, elongated palpi. - When resting on a tree trunk, this moth angles its body and wings to perfectly mimic a curled, dead leaf that has stuck to the bark. ## Special abilities - **Dead Leaf Mimicry:** The contrasting, wavy patterns on its forewings and its habit of resting flat against surfaces allow it to perfectly camouflage as a dead leaf or bark. - **Elongated Palpi:** Its prominent, snout-like palpi are covered in sensory receptors that help it navigate, locate food sources, and detect chemical cues in the environment. - **Evasive Flight:** When disturbed by predators such as bats, the moth employs an erratic, zig-zagging flight pattern to quickly dive into the underbrush and escape. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 1-2 cm - **Wingspan:** 2-4 cm - **Weight:** 0.0001-0.0005 kg - **Lifespan:** 0-1 years - **Clutch Size:** 50-200 - **Incubation:** 5-10 days ## Diet & Feeding Caterpillars feed exclusively on the foliage of maple trees, while adult moths consume flower nectar and tree sap. - **Age differences:** Larvae are leaf-eating herbivores, whereas adults transition to a liquid diet of nectar and sap. - **Primary Foods:** Red Maple leaves, Silver Maple leaves, Flower nectar, Tree sap - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Host plant:** [Red Maple](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-maple) (*Acer rubrum*) — Provides a crucial larval food source for the moth's caterpillars. - **Eaten by:** [Big Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/big-brown-bat) (*Eptesicus fuscus*) — Hunts and consumes adult Baltimore Snouts during the night. - **Parasite:** Trichogramma Wasp (*Trichogramma minutum*) — Parasitizes the eggs of the Baltimore Snout, preventing them from hatching. ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Baltimore Snout? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Baltimore Snout? 1-2 cm ### What is Baltimore Snout's wingspan? 2-4 cm ### How much does Baltimore Snout weigh? 0.0001-0.0005 kg ### How long does Baltimore Snout live? 0-1 years ### What does Baltimore Snout eat? Caterpillars feed exclusively on the foliage of maple trees, while adult moths consume flower nectar and tree sap. ### Where is Baltimore Snout usually found? Found primarily in deciduous woodlands, forest edges, and suburban habitats where their maple tree host plants are abundant. ### How does Baltimore Snout hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Ashton Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ashton-historic-district) — Rhode Island, US · Historic District - [Blackbird State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blackbird-state-forest) — Delaware, US · Forest - [New River Gorge National Park and Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/new-river-gorge-national-park-and-preserve) — West Virginia, US · National Park - [Randolph Center Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/randolph-center-historic-district) — Vermont, US · Historic District - [Rock House Reservation](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rock-house-reservation) — Massachusetts, US · Nature Reserve - [South Coventry Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/south-coventry-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District [View all places to see Baltimore Snout](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/baltimore-snout) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Baltimore Snout: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/baltimore-snout)