Swarms of the American Snout butterfly were reported throughout the Central Texas corridor, the Hill Country, and Austin recently. But their emergence is not alarming, nor is it harmful.
Butterflies, like bees, are excellent pollinators through plant pollination.
Molly Meck, an entomologist, states that these butterflies are simply looking for food "and a place to mate and lay eggs." While American snout butterflies generally move together in a northward direction, they don't have a directional pattern. Meck also theorizes that this year's emergence was likely caused by environmental changes (examples are weather and moisture).
If you live in Texas now, you've probably seen these insects in the skies. Or maybe you've seen them accidentally splatter across your windshield as you drive on the freeway (may those unfortunate creatures rest in peace). Meck, however, notes that this year's emergence is milder than previous years.
The emergence of American snout butterflies vary in duration. Some only last a few hours, while others last for several weeks.
(Image Credit: Ospre3yy/ Wikimedia Commons)
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