Geometrid Moth

Geometridae; Sterrhinae; Scopulini; Scopula sp. The family Geometridae gets its name from the strange mode of walking employed by its larvae. Most other caterpillars have 6 "true legs" and 10 "pro legs" which give evenly spread support along their length. However, Geometrid larvae have only 6 "true legs" at the front end and 4 "pro legs" at the rear end. This leaves a long middle section of their abdomen without support. So, they have developed a unique style of walking in which the back legs stand still, while the front legs walk forward until their body is stretched straight. Then the front legs stand still and the back legs walk forward until they reach the front legs. This causes the abdomen to arch up into a loop and the whole sequence is repeated, hence the name "Looper". It is said that this walking style looks like they are measuring the earth as they walk. Presumably the units of measurement are "caterpillar body-lengths". I think I'll just stick with inches :-)