Inchworm

Description:

"Inchworm" redirects here. For other uses, see Inchworm (disambiguation). Geometer moth Temporal range: Priabonian to Recent 35–0Ma PreЄЄOSDCPTJKPgN Problepsis vulgaris (Geometridae: Sterrhinae) Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera (unranked): Macrolepidoptera Superfamily: Geometroidea Family: Geometridae Leach, 1815 Subfamilies Alsophilinae (disputed) Archiearinae Desmobathrinae (disputed) Ennominae Geometrinae Larentiinae (but see text) Oenochrominae Orthostixinae Sterrhinae Chiasma species from Ennominae Selenia tetralunaria species from Ennominae Scopula sp. Tetracis cachexiata (Ohio) The geometer moths or Geometridae (from Greek geo γη or γαια 'the earth' and metron μέτρων 'measure' — refers to the larvae, or inchworms, which appear to "measure the earth" as they move in a looping fashion) are a family of the order Lepidoptera.[1] A very large family, it has around 35,000 species of moths described, and over 1,400 species from 6 subclasses indigenous to North America.[1] A well-known member is the Peppered Moth, Biston betularia, which has been subject of numerous studies in population genetics. Several other geometer moths are notorious pests. The name "Geometridae" ultimately derives from Latin geometra from Greek γεωμέτρης ("geometer, earth-measurer"). This refers to the means of locomotion of the larvae or caterpillars, which lack the full complement of prolegs seen in other Lepidopteran caterpillars, with only two or three pairs at the posterior end instead of the usual five pairs. Equipped with appendages at both ends of the body, a caterpillar will clasp with its front legs and draw up the hind end, then clasp with the hind end (prolegs) and reach out for a new front attachment - creating the impression that it is measuring its journey. The caterpillars are accordingly called loopers, spanworms, or inchworms after their characteristic looping gait. The cabbage looper is not an inchworm, but a caterpillar of a different family. In many species of geometer moths, the inchworms are about 25 mm (1.0 in) long. They tend to be green, grey, or brownish and hide from predators by fading into the background or resembling twigs. Many inchworms, when disturbed, stand erect and motionless on the prolegs, increasing the resemblance. Some have humps or filaments. They are seldom hairy or gregarious and are generally smooth. Typically they eat leaves. However, some eat lichen, flowers or pollen. Some, such as the Hawaiian species of the genus Eupithecia, are even carnivorous. Certain destructive inchworms are called cankerworms.

Habitat:

Inching along a Angel Trumpet bud in my garden.