measuring worm
Caterpillar that loops
A measuring worm is the caterpillar of a geometrid moth, named for its distinctive looping movement—it anchors its front legs, draws its rear end forward to meet them, then extends forward again, as if measuring distance inch by inch.
Also called an inchworm or looper.
Looping moth larva
- looperBody-arching larva or replay device
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- crawlingMoving on hands, knees
- archingBending in a curve
spanning · creeping · undulating · prolegs · movement · gait · inching · stretching
Harmful creature or nag
- foliagePlant's leafy covering
- plantsPhotosynthesizing rooted organisms
- defoliationLoss of foliage
- herbivorePlant-only consumer
damage · infestation · orchard · fruit tree · leaves · vegetation · canopy · shade tree
Slender woody shoot
- stickThin piece of wood
- branchDivision or woody limb
- barkSharp canine vocalization
- mimicryAdaptive resemblance to another
cryptic · disguise · concealment · adaptation · protective coloration · freezing · resemblance · deception
Moth or butterfly young
- mothNight-flying lepidopteran
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- chrysalisPupal casing for metamorphosis
- metamorphosisProfound biological restructuring
instar · molting · larvae · entomology · nocturnal · wingspan · antenna · mandible
Total physical span
- coffinBurial container for remains
- death omenSign predicting someone's passing
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
- tailoringCustom clothing adjustment
grave · folklore · old wives tale · portent · legend · sewing · cloth · garment
inchworm
Looping moth larva
- looperBody-arching larva or replay device
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- crawlingMoving on hands, knees
arching · spanning · creeping · undulating · prolegs · movement · gait · inching · stretching · contracting
pest
Harmful creature or nag
- foliagePlant's leafy covering
- plantsPhotosynthesizing rooted organisms
- defoliationLoss of foliage
herbivore · damage · infestation · orchard · fruit tree · leaves · vegetation · canopy · shade tree · elm
twig
Slender woody shoot
mimicry · cryptic · disguise · concealment · adaptation · protective coloration · freezing · resemblance · deception · survival
caterpillar
Moth or butterfly young
metamorphosis · instar · molting · larvae · entomology · nocturnal · wingspan · antenna · mandible · silk
body length
Total physical span
- coffinBurial container for remains
- death omenSign predicting someone's passing
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
tailoring · grave · folklore · old wives tale · portent · legend · sewing · cloth · garment
measure, measuring, measured, measures, measurable, unmeasurable, immeasurable, measurably, immeasurably