New data are presented on the phylogenetically informative plantaris muscle in the Drepanidini. The primitive condition (presence) corroborates the basal placement of the creepers of the genera Oreomystis and Paroreomyza. The derived condition of the plantaris (absence) was found in the Hawaii Creeper (Loxops mana), previously considered by some to be congeneric with Oreomystis, and agrees with other evidence placing that species in Loxops. The Hawaii Akepa (L. coccineus), Anianiau (L. parvus), and Kauai Amakihi (L. stejnegeri) also lack the plantaris. This condition still appears to define a monophyletic group within the Drepanidini.
