Geometer moth
Geometer moths are a large family of moths in the Lepidoptera. Over 23,000 species have been described. Most of them are nocturnal: only a few are active during the day.
| Geometer moth | |
|---|---|
| |
| Chiasmia species | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Unrecognized taxon (fix): | Geometridae |
The imagos (adults) have wingspans between 10 millimetres (0.39 in) and 70 millimetres (2.8 in). Their caterpillars move in a special way, they seem to "measure the earth". For this reason, the caterpillars are sometimes called inchworms.
A well-known species is the peppered moth (Biston betularia). Many species are classified as pests.
Adults
Many geometrids have slender abdomens and broad wings which are usually held flat with the hindwings visible. They look a bit like butterflies, but in most respects they are typical moths. Most fly at night. They have a frenulum to link the wings, and the antennae of the males are often feathered. They blend into the background with camouflage. In some species, females have reduced wings.[1]
Caterpillars
Most caterpillars have four pairs of feet in their central section but geometer moth caterpillars only have two. This means that they are unable to move like the other caterpillars. They use the front pair of feet to hold on to a support, and then they pull the rest of their body up close. Next, they use the pairs of feet in the back part of their body to hold on, and push the front part forward. This means they are often in a position which looks like the Greek letter Omega, as can be seen in the photo.[1]
Geometer Moth Media
Hydriomena? protrita holotype forewing
A geometrid caterpillar camouflaged as a broken twig
4 pictures combined to show locomotion of the geometrid caterpillar
Synchlora aerata caterpillar dressed with pieces of flowers as camouflage
Scopula sp.*Camera data * Camera Canon EOS 400D * Lens Tamron EF 180mm f3.5 1:1 Macro * Flash Umbrella Right * Focal length 180 mm * Aperture f/10 * Exposure time 1/125 s * Sensivity ISO 200
Alsophila pometaria, wingless adult female
Sources
- Scoble M.J. ed. 1999: Geometrid moths of the world: a catalogue. CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0-643-06304-8
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Robin McLeod, John; Balaban, Jane; Moisset, Beatriz; Entz, Chuck (April 27, 2009). "Family Geometridae - Geometrid Moths". BugGuide. Retrieved April 2, 2011.