Skip to main content
Close

Inchworm

Photo by MaryEvans2
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

30.4381, -84.2809

Field Notes

Description:

he name "Geometridae" ultimately derives from Latin geometra from Greek γεωμέτρης ("geometer, earth-measurer"). This refers to the means of locomotion of the larvae or caterpillars, which lack the prolegs of other Lepidopteran caterpillars in the middle portion of the body, with only two or three pairs at each end. 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 the impression that it is measuring its journey. The caterpillars are accordingly called loopers, spanworms, or inchworms after their characteristic looping gait.

Habitat:

Wooded area, forests

Notes:

While out on my break, I almost ran into an inchworm swinging in the breeze from its very thin (almost invisible) web strand ( or sometimes called a silk strand). Hard to focus on something that is not only swinging in the wind, but also climbing up at the same time.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)

Thank you Melissa - was one of the hardest shots I have attempted in a while due to it swinging in the breeze on one strand of web (silk)

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon