Numbers
the only species in this genus in North America
Identification
Adult: typical color form is yellow and a delicate pink in broad bands--distinctive, along with hooktip shape. Forewing PM line angles back sharply toward costa below apex. Hindwing PM line wavy, sometimes lacking. Form "irrorata" is entirely brown or brownish-purple with dark lines - a leaf mimic.
Larva: orange to brown; head with prominent thorny projection to either side, resembling two horns; third thoracic segment arched; tail with long tapering point, the only eastern caterpillar with the latter feature.
Range
TX-FL-NL-WI, + w. Canada -
MAP (MPG)
Habitat
Deciduous forests, adjacent areas
Season
adults fly from May to September
larvae from July to October
Food
Larva feeds on leaves of birch (Betula spp.) and Viburnum species.
Remarks
The two color forms look like different species.
See Also
Other hooktips are colored differently, usually much lighter. See this page at
Drepanoidea of Canada.
Juniper Geometer (
Patalene olyzonaria) resembles brown form of Rose Hooktip but has a black discal spot near costa, and a straight PM line on hindwing.
Print References
Covell, p. 343, plate 46 #1.
(1)
Himmelman, plate B-5.
(2)
Wagner,
Caterpillars of Eastern Forests, p. 68
(3)
Wagner,
Caterpillars of Eastern North America, p. 139--photo of adult (specimen) and caterpillar
(4)Internet References
Maryland Moths--shows two color forms
pinned adult images of two color forms (CBIF)
distribution in Canada list of provinces (CBIF)
