Bug Identifier
Inchworm
Community identification

Inchworm

Geometridae (larva)

Order & Family
Lepidoptera, Geometridae
Size
10 mm to 25 mm (0.4 to 1 inch)
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Gardens, forests, and shrublands worldwide

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous, primarily feeding on the leaves of trees and shrubs.

Behavior Patterns

Notable for their looping gait; they have legs at both ends of the body but none in the middle, causing them to 'measure' the earth as they move. They often use silk threads to drop from branches when disturbed.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans. While they are important food sources for birds and other wildlife, large populations can cause significant defoliation to garden plants and trees.