Geometer moth caterpillar (Inchworm)

Natural Habitat

Geometer moth caterpillars are found in a wide range of habitats where their host plants grow, including forests, woodlands, gardens, agricultural areas, and urban green spaces. They often blend in with their surroundings.

Diet & Feeding

Geometer moth caterpillars are primarily herbivorous, feeding on the leaves of a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Specific diet depends on the species, as many are host-plant specific or have preferences.

Behavior Patterns

Geometer moth caterpillars are known for their distinctive 'looping' or 'inching' locomotion, where they draw their hind prolegs up to their front legs, creating a loop with their body, then extend forward. This is due to the reduction or absence of prolegs in the middle segments. They often mimic twigs or leaf petioles, holding their bodies stiffly at an angle from a branch. They can be found during the day and night.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include being considered agricultural or garden pests when populations are high, as their feeding can defoliate plants. However, they are a significant food source for many birds and other insectivorous animals, and as adults, some species contribute to pollination. Overall, they play a crucial role in the food web.

Identified on: 8/24/2025