Although the caterpillars of thyatirids superficially resemble those of owlet moths, they are in fact quite closely related to the hooktips. This small family includes but 3 common eastern species. The midabdominal segments bear 12 setae above the proleg, whereas those of many similar-appearing caterpillars have 11 or fewer setae. The head is wider than high and the labrum deeply cleft. Anal prolegs tend to be smaller then those of the mid-abdomen.
Caterpillars often shelter within a loosely folded leaf.