| Geometridae is a
large family of moths, containing
approximately 26,000 species. Most
moths in this family have slender
abdomens and hold their wings flat,
with hindwings visible. The name
geometer means "earth-measurer" in
Latin. It refers to the
caterpillar's peculiar method of
locomotion; they lack the prolegs of
most other lepidoptera, and move by
grabbing the substrate with their
front legs then looping the body
upwards to pull the back legs
forward, then reversing the process.
The caterpillars are commonly called
inchworms, loopers, or spanworms.
(Fig. 3) |
Figure 3. Geometrid caterpillar, or "inchworm"
|
