The geometer moths are moths that belong to the insect order Lepidoptera, which includes moths and butterflies. Their scientific name is derived from the Ancient Greek geo and metron meaning “measure” in allusion to how their larvae, or “inchworms,” appear to “measure the earth” as they crawl in a looping form. It is a fairly vast family with over 23,000 species of moths known and over 1400 species from six subfamilies native to North America alone. The peppered moth, Biston betularia, is a well-known member that has been the focus of multiple population genetics research. A number of other geometer moths are vexing pests.
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