Facts About the Looper Moth

The Looper Moth hails from the family Geometridae, which contains about nine subfamilies. Looper moths, which are also called geometer moths, are widespread throughout the world. In all, there are about 35,000 species of Looper Moths. They have been closely studied and are known for their distinctive caterpillars, coloring and camouflage.

  1. Coloration

    • Many looper moth species are colored green, brown, gray, black and white so the moth can blend in to its surroundings. A few have some red, yellow or purple colors. Looper moths will sit with their wings spread flat to better match the leaves or bark. The caterpillars of the looper moth species also use life-saving camouflage. Some brown-colored caterpillars will attach themselves to branches to imitate twigs and avoid predators.

    Inchworms

    • Looper moths get their name from looper caterpillars, or inch worms. Inchworms are named for the way they put themselves in motion. Unlike most caterpillars, the inchworm does not have middle legs. It must move its front legs first, then draw its back legs forward. Like other caterpillars, inchworms have large appetites and can be destructive to plants. Because of this, they are sometimes seen as agricultural and garden pests.

    Loop Moth Characteristics

    • Unlike other moths, loop moths have slender antennae, more similar to butterfly. Looper moths are typically nocturnal, spending their days hiding among trees and leaves. Most looper moths are about 1 inch in length, but some species can reach 2 inches. Many loop moth adults do not eat anything in their short lives, but some species feed on nectar from plants. Looper moths also have paired tympanal organs at the base of their abdomens that help their hearing.

    Peppered Moths

    • The peppered moth is a closely studied moth that has sparked a debate over the evolution of its coloring. According to study, peppered moths were originally light colored, which allowed them to mimic the bark of trees. After pollution from the Industrial Revolution caused those trees to darken, light-colored peppered moths were killed off by predators. Dark-colored peppered moths became the more prominent of the species. These studies were thought to strengthen the argument for natural selection and evolution, but critics questioned the study's conclusion and means. Critics pointed out that other peppered moths in similar areas had been unchanged.