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Arched Hooktip Moth

Drepana arcuata

Drepana arcuata, commonly known as the Arched Hooktip Moth, is a species found throughout North America. It is named for its unique hooked forewing, which gives it a distinct appearance. The wings of the Arched Hooktip Moth are angular in shape, with a brownish-gray color and a small silver spot near the tip.

This species is nocturnal and can be found flying at night. It is attracted to light sources and can often be seen near porch lights or streetlights. The caterpillar of the Arched Hooktip Moth is green with white spots and is known to feed on a variety of deciduous trees.

A fun fact about this species is that the adult moths are known to use their hooked forewings to help them cling to bark and other surfaces when they are resting. This unique adaptation allows them to blend in with their surroundings and avoid detection by predators.

Habitat
forests, meadows, wetlands
Scientific Name
Drepana arcuata
Wing Span
27mm to 40mm
General Size
Small
Wing Color
brown
brown
yellow
yellow
Marking's Color
black
black
Markings Pattern
Waves / Jagged Lines

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. sickle -shaped wings that look ‘hooked’ at the tips

  2. Wavy black lines across forewings

  3. Dark discal spot on center of forewing

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.