Hypena modestoides

This is another “snout” moth with conspicuously long palps. In spite of its name modestoides, it is much more boldly marked than the relatively “modest” californica. The caterpillars of both species feed on Stinging Nettles. Stinging Nettles are quite painful to humans, and the stings were presumably evolved to protect the leaves from being eaten. If that is so, it is remarkable how many caterpillars choose nettles as their favourite food.