Rose Hooktip
Oreta rosea
The caterpillars have a unique, tail-like filament at the end of their abdomen instead of traditional prolegs, which they vibrate to communicate or deter predators.
- Scientific name
- Oreta rosea
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Lepidoptera › Drepanidae › Oreta
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous and mixed forests, particularly near forest edges and damp woodlands where Viburnum grows.
- Diet
- Larvae feed on the leaves of Viburnum species (such as arrowwood and witherod); adults do not feed.
- Range
- United States, Canada
- Size
- Wingspan of 25-34 mm (1.0-1.3 inches)
- Lifespan
- Up to 1 year (mostly spent as egg, larva, and pupa; adults live 5-10 days)
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Light pollution disrupting nocturnal behavior, habitat loss, and pesticide runoff in woodlands.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. If you encounter this moth, observe its beautiful leaf-mimicry from any distance. It is safe to handle gently if it lands on you, but avoid touching its wings to prevent damaging its delicate scales. If handled, wash hands afterwards.
Oreta rosea , the Rose Hooktip Moth , is a moth in the Drepanidae family. It was described by Walker in 1855. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded across boreal Canada to eastern North America. In the north, the range extends to northern Alberta, northern Manitoba and Newfoundland. It is also found east of the Great Plains as far south as Florida and eastern Texas. The habitat consists of moist temperate hardwood forests.
Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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