Geometer moth
family of moths
Geometer moths are a large family of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera), over 23.000 species have been described. Most of them are nocturnal, only a few are active during the day. The butterflies 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. This way of movemenmt is what the name refers to. A well-known species is the Peppered moth (Biston peularia). Many species are classified as pests.