Bug Identifier
Inchworm (Geometer Moth Larva)
Community identification

Inchworm (Geometer Moth Larva)

Family Geometridae

Order & Family
Order Lepidoptera, Family Geometridae
Size
1 - 5 cm (0.4 - 2 inches) depending on species and growth stage.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found globally in forests, gardens, and shrublands, often on host plants like trees and flowering shrubs.

Diet & Feeding

Primarily herbivorous, feeding on the leaves of various trees, shrubs, and plants; some rare species are carnivorous.

Behavior Patterns

Known for a unique looping gait caused by a lack of middle prolegs; many species use camouflage to look like twigs to avoid predators.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; while some species can be agricultural pests by defoliating trees, they serve as a vital food source for birds.