Geometer Moths, Superfamily Geometroidea, also known as “inchworms”, are one of several groups of moths of the order Lepidoptera. There are about 700 species within the Geometroidea superfamily, including over 200 species in our area of which we’ve only displayed the most common. A fantastic resource for more specific information on all our moths is Pacific Northwest Moths.
Other Lepidoptera groups include Tiger and Tussock Moths, Sphinx and Silk Moths, Cutworms and Dart Moths, Snout Moths and other Micromoths, Clearwing Moths, Plume Moths, Scoopwing Moths and Butterflies.
Geometer Moths (Geometridae)
Looper Moths and related Inchworms (subfamily Ennominae)
Geometer moths get their name from the way their larvae, or “inchworms”, appear to measure out distance as they crawl along. The “looper moth” name comes from the loop-like appearance of those same larva.
Carpet Moths (subfamily Larentiinae)
Some moths in this group feed on non-living material including skins, furs, bird nests and pellets, and any manmade objects based on similar material including carpets and leather furniture.
Emerald Moths (subfamily Geometrinae)
As you may have guessed, these moths are typically green in color.
Waves and Mochas (subfamily Sterrhinae)
Their name comes from the wavy patterns many have on their wings.
Infant moth and relatives (subfamily Archiearinae)
The “infant moth” gets its name from the adults being among the first moths to emerge from their pupae very early in the spring.
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