Baltimore Hypena

Baltimore Hypena

Hypena baltimoralis
OWLET MOTH FAMILY (Erebidae)

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The Baltimore Hypena has a wingspan of 1.25 inches. The forewing of the male is tan with a dark brown median patch that has a straight edge parallel to the inner margin. There is a dark brown apical dash that angles toward a round-tipped tooth in the median patch. Females are usually paler. The hindwings are plain light brown. The caterpillar has an elongate green body with pale yellow or orange segments. There are black dots around the setal bases. The head is plain green except for the black dots. The larva grows to 1 1/8 inch.

 

The frequency of occurrence is not currently known, but it is probably fairly common. One individual was photographed in late September 2014 at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center. Adults are attracted to lights.

 

Another common name for this species is Baltimore Snout. It was formerly called Baltimore bomolocha (Bomolocha baltimoralis). The larvae eat the leaves of red and silver maples. Other Hypena species have quite similar caterpillars. Food plant association is the best clue for identification.

 

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