Inchworms, Measuringworms, and Loopers(Family Geometridae)

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Maier, C.T., C.R. Lemmon, J.M. Fengler, D.F. Schweitzer, and R.C. Reardon. 2004. Caterpillars on the Foliage of Conifers in the Northeastern United States. FHTET-2004-1. Morgantown, WV: USDA Forest Service, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team; 151 p.

The caterpillars in this large family typically have functional prolegs on only A6 and A10, and have the last four abdominal segments shorter than the preceding ones. The crochets on prolegs usually come in two lengths. Geometrid caterpillars vary from long and skinny to quite stout. They commonly mimic twigs, petioles, flower parts, or foliage. Among the strangest are the species of Nemoria, which have fleshy projections on their body that often give them the appearance of dead leaf fragments. Geometrid caterpillars usually are 15 to 60 mm long at maturity. The common names of this family are derived from the way the caterpillars move by extending the front of their body as far as possible and then looping the rear to meet the forward part.

Geometrid caterpillars eat a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Some, including several described in this guide, feed upon both deciduous and coniferous trees. With the possible exception of the family Gelechiidae, this family has the largest number of species normally associated with conifers. Several species are prominent pests of forests or agricultural crops.

The moths often have their wings marked with straight or angled lines. Most fly at night, but a few fly during the day. The day-fliers tend to be the more colorful species. Many species are attracted to lights, and a few can be seen at bait or flowers.