The Snout, Hypena proboscidalis
The Snout, Hypena proboscidalis, is a common species of moth found throughout much of the British Isles and Europe.
In warmer southern parts of the UK there are two generations from June-August and mid August-October when it is attracted to light.
The forewing is c 18mm long with variable grey/dark brown shading.
Information on The Bloxworth Snout, Hypena obsitalis
The Snout caterpillar, Hypena proboscidalis)
The Snout caterpillars grow to c 28 mm in length and feed on common nettle.
The proleg on the 6th segment is rudimentary.
In the south the caterpillars of the later brood overwinter when small.
Photographs shown are of different sizes of Snout caterpillar found on common nettle in South West Cornwall at different times of the year.
See information on the similar Bloxworth Snout caterpillar which also feeds on common nettle and is also found in southern coastal regions of the UK.
Other caterpillar galleries
The Snout pupa, Hypena proboscidalis
The caterpillar pupates in a cocoon spun amongst the plant leaves.
They are very easy to rear with moths emerging within 2-3 weeks.
Recommended reference books
The Colour Identification Guide to Caterpillars of the British Isles – Jim Porter.
Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland – Waring, Townsend and Lewington.
Moths of the British Isles – Bernard Skinnner.
The Provisional Atlas of UK’s Larger moths -Randle, Fox and Parsons