The Geometer Moths are the second largest family of moths in North America. This family includes many serious agricultural and forest pests. These moths are small to medium in size, with slender bodies and broad wings. On average, the wingspan of these moths is 1-6 cm, though the females of some species lack wings entirely. Larvae are usually twiglike and lack the first 2-3 pairs of prolegs. They move by extending the front of the body as far forward as possible, then bringing the rear of the body up to meet it; this is how they have gotten the name "inchworm" or "measuringworm." Larvae usually feed externally on leaves and pupate in loose cocoons in leaf litter or soil.
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Description of Geometridae
The Geometer Moths are the second largest family of moths in North America. This family includes many serious agricultural and forest pests. These moths are small to medium in size, with slender bodies and broad wings. On average, the wingspan of these moths is 1-6 cm, though the females of some species lack wings entirely. Larvae are usually twiglike and lack the first 2-3 pairs of prolegs. They move by extending the front of the body as far forward as possible, then bringing the rear of the body up to meet it; this is how they have gotten the name "inchworm" or "measuringworm." Larvae usually feed externally on leaves and pupate in loose cocoons in leaf litter or soil.