
Community identification
Inchworm
Geometridae (larva)
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera, Geometridae
- Size
- 10 mm to 25 mm (0.4 to 1 inch)
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.