Inchworm (likely a Geometer moth caterpillar)
Scientific Name: Various species within the family Geometridae (e.g., Operophtera brumata - winter moth, Paleacrita vernata - spring cankerworm, Alsophila pometaria - fall cankerworm, various members of genera like Nemoria, Eupithecia, etc.) Without more detailed features, a precise scientific name is not possible from the image alone.
Order & Family: Order: Lepidoptera, Family: Geometridae
Size: Larvae (caterpillars) typically range from 1 cm to 5 cm (0.4 to 2 inches) in length, depending on the species and instar. Adult moths vary greatly in size, with wingspans ranging from about 1 cm to over 5 cm (0.4 to 2 inches).
Natural Habitat
Found in a wide range of habitats where their host plants grow, including forests, woodlands, gardens, agricultural fields, meadows, and urban green spaces. The larvae live on leaves and stems of plants, while adult moths are typically found in the vicinity of these plants.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly herbivorous. Inchworm caterpillars feed on the leaves of various plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The specific diet depends on the species of Geometer moth. Some are generalists, feeding on a wide range of plants, while others are specialists on particular plant families.
Behavior Patterns
Larvae (caterpillars) of most inchworms are known for their distinctive "looping" or "measuring" gait, hence the name "inchworm" or "looper." This movement is due to the absence or reduction of prolegs in the middle segments of their abdomen, causing them to bring their hind end forward to meet their front end. Many species are camouflaged, resembling twigs or leaf veins, and some can remain motionless for long periods to avoid predators. The adults are typically nocturnal moths.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Some species of inchworms can be significant agricultural or forestry pests, causing defoliation of crops, ornamental plants, and trees during outbreaks. This can lead to economic losses and environmental damage. Benefits: Inchworms serve as a food source for various predators, including birds, parasitic wasps and flies, and other insects, playing a role in the food web. Some species are important pollinators as adults, though this is less common than for other moth families. They contribute to nutrient cycling through their feeding habits.
Identified on: 7/5/2025