One of the oddest and most charismatic butterflies in North Carolina, with long palps forming a "snout". More often found swarming around Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) trees, their main caterpillar host plant here, or getting nutrients from dirt roads, this one had been nectaring on Asters.

Durham Co., NC 8/15/10.

This one is very fresh with an incredibly brilliant purplish sheen, when seen at the right angle.

Chapel Hill, NC 10/19/02.

American Snouts may be seen on warm late fall and even winter days.

Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC 11/23/2011.

Same individual.

Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC 11/23/2011.

This battered one looks like it barely escaped a bird's maw.

Eno River, Durham Co., NC 4/11/09.

The ones in Texas look a bit different. In south Texas, swarms of tens of thousands can be found in fall in places like Bentsen State Park along the Rio Grande.

Mission, Hidalgo Co., TX 10/13/04.

Starr Co., TX 10/16/04.

Caught by a spider.