Chickweed Geometer Moth
2025-09-08 - Central Kentucky - Photo by Pen
The "geometer" in the name, according to North American Insects and Spiders, comes from the "means of locomotion of the larvae or caterpillars, which lack most of the prolegs of other Lepidopteran caterpillars. Equipped with appendages at both ends of the body, a caterpillar will clasp with its front legs and draw up the hind end, then clasp with the hind end (prolegs) and reach out for a new front attachment, creating a loop, and creating the impression that it is measuring its journey. The caterpillars are accordingly called loopers, spanworms, or inchworms." Comments | Permalink
2025-09-08 - Central Kentucky - Photo by Pen
The "geometer" in the name, according to North American Insects and Spiders, comes from the "means of locomotion of the larvae or caterpillars, which lack most of the prolegs of other Lepidopteran caterpillars. Equipped with appendages at both ends of the body, a caterpillar will clasp with its front legs and draw up the hind end, then clasp with the hind end (prolegs) and reach out for a new front attachment, creating a loop, and creating the impression that it is measuring its journey. The caterpillars are accordingly called loopers, spanworms, or inchworms." Comments | Permalink