The splendid, curvy ends of the Arched Hooktip's forewings are made more dramatic by the dark gradient that bleeds into them.
A quick look at the tips of the wings will distinguish a Hooktip moth from others. The points of each wing bend down and inward, similar to the shape of a hook. They do not serve any function associated with hooks (carrying, latching, pulling), but they are remarkable nonetheless. Their hairy brown forewings are light near the body and gradually darken toward these arched tips. The wings are crossed left to right with thin, dark brown lines with the darkest one running near the bottom center of the wings. Individuals can vary in shades; some are pale while others are a more saturated brown. A few black dots/spots mark the centers of the forewings and are easy to see when the moth is resting with wings flat.
Caterpillars of the Arched Hooktip Moth feed on the leaves of alder and birch trees. They fold up a leaf and use their silk to form a retreat for themselves. They have been heard making soft audible clicks or taps when provoked. Their bodies are green, brown, or even purple at various stages. The 4 or 5 segments near the head have a pair of bumps on them, each with a single black hair extending from it. The ventral side (belly) may be a whitish-yellow and the tip of the abdomen tends to curve upward. Females can produce up to two broods each year.
The Arched Hooktip is a nocturnal moth and adults are attracted to lights at night. Look for them in hardwood forests, especially in elevated areas, and, in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast, near coastal areas.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Drepanidae
Genus:Drepana
Species:arcuata
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Drepana arcuata
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 27mm to 40mm (1.05in to 1.56in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: yellow, brown, tan
