Which moth family includes the geometer moths?

Geometer moths belong to the family Geometridae.

Geometridae is one of the largest moth families, with many thousands of described species. The name refers to the characteristic looping movement of many larvae, which are commonly called inchworms or loopers. Their reduced abdominal prolegs make each step look as though the caterpillar is measuring the surface.

Adult geometrid moths range from tiny, subtly colored species to large and boldly patterned moths. Many have wings marked with lines, bands, or camouflage patterns that help them blend into bark, leaves, and lichen. Some species are active at night, while others fly during the day.

Not every caterpillar called an inchworm belongs to Geometridae, because “inchworm” is a common name rather than a strict taxonomic term. Likewise, several unrelated moth families contain species with similar camouflage, so family identification often requires wing shape, venation, and microscopic features.