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Butterfly invasion! Swarms are back as snout butterflies make annual migration through San Antonio

‘Snout nose butterflies’ return to South Texas

American snout butterflies. (KSAT)

SAN ANTONIO – It happens every year: millions of American snout butterflies — known colloquially as “snout nose butterflies” — migrate south through San Antonio.

And more than a few of the insects will end up splattered on your car's grill or windshield.

Named for its long nose, the “snout nose butterfly” is often confused for a moth due to its grayish-brown camouflaged wings.

American snout butterfly (Copyright 2020 by KSAT - All rights reserved.)

These butterflies usually make their way across the Interstate 35 corridor toward South Texas between early August and late September, hosting on hackberry.

However, the friendly fliers are not "calendar insects," meaning they don't follow regular migratory patterns.

As a result, we can't make any inferences about a cooler fall or a warmer winter from their behavior.

What we do know is that the bugs are back and the lines at the car wash may be a bit longer than usual.

Check out this previously sent video from KSAT Connect showing the butterflies in the air during rush hour.

You can share your pictures and video with KSAT by uploading them online or through KSAT Connect on the KSAT Weather Authority app for iPhone and Android. Your submission may get featured on KSAT.com or on air.


About the Author
Sarah Spivey headshot

Sarah Spivey is a San Antonio native who grew up watching KSAT. She has been a proud member of the KSAT Weather Authority Team since 2017. Sarah is a Clark High School and Texas A&M University graduate. She previously worked at KTEN News. When Sarah is not busy forecasting, she enjoys hanging out with her husband and cat, and playing music.

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