Geometer (Geometrid) Moths, Geometridae I

The Geometridae is a very large family of moths distinctive for two reasons: the adult moths are typically broad-winged and usually held flat with the hindwings visible; and the family name refers to the means of locomotion of the caterpillars, which lack the prolegs of other Lepidopteran caterpillars in the middle portion of the body, with only two or three pairs at each end hence the caterpillars are accordingly called loopers, spanworms, or inchworms after their characteristic looping gait measuring out their journey. The adult moths can be masters of camouflage often with intricate, wavy patterns on their wings; others are garishly decorated and startling. The caterpillars too often fade into the background resembling twigs.

These are a selection of local Yunnan Geometridae moths. Click the images to see their identification (where known)….

This is the first (I) in a set of related posts featuring Geometer moths.

View the others… II and III.

Pu'er, Yunnan, China

See more Chinese moths on my Flickr site HERE…..