spanworm
Caterpillar that arches
A spanworm is the caterpillar of a geometrid moth, named for its distinctive looping movement—it extends its body forward, then draws up its rear end to meet the front, appearing to measure or "span" distances as it moves.
Also called an inchworm or measuring worm.
A spanworm inched along the branch.
Looping moth larva
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
- looperBody-arching larva or replay device
- mothNight-flying lepidopteran
pupa · cocoon · segments · prolegs · setae · molting · instar · Geometridae
Moving very gradually
- loopingMoving in circles
- archingBending in a curve
- crawlingMoving on hands, knees
- measuringDetermining size or amount
hunching · grasping · stretching · clasping · undulating · creeping · bridging · contracting
inchworm
Looping moth larva
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- larvaeImmature metamorphosing creatures
- looperBody-arching larva or replay device
moth · pupa · cocoon · segments · prolegs · setae · molting · instar · Geometridae · lepidoptera
inching
Moving very gradually
measuring · hunching · grasping · stretching · clasping · undulating · creeping · bridging · contracting · extending
defoliation
Loss of foliage
- infestationPest takeover situation
- orchardFruit tree plantation
- canopyOverhead protective covering
damage · pesticide · outbreak · foliage · trees · deciduous · feeding · leaves · apple · elm
measuring
Determining size or amount
- deathCessation of life
- omenProphetic indicator
- superstitionBaseless belief in omens
coffin · grave · folklore · legend · myth · portent · burial · shroud · belief · tradition