Caterpillars of Eastern Forests

Hooktip Moths (Family Drepanidae)

Hooktips comprise a small family with caterpillars distinguished by the absence of crochet-bearing anal prolegs. Most species bear a stiff, spinulose medial projection from the anal plate. The body surface is beset with numerous microscopic hairs; longer, more typical setae are usually present, especially just above legs. The upper part of head is lobed or horned. Crochets are grouped in 2 series: the outer set of 1 length, and few in number; the inner set larger and of 1 or 2 lengths. The caterpillars of eastern hooktips are specialists on birches, alders, dogwoods, and viburnums.

Masked Birch Caterpillar
(Drepana arcuata)
[Arched Hooktip]

Rose Hooktip
(Oreta rosea)

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