Geometridae

1 9.9

A group of moths whose caterpillars move in a looping way and are often called inchworms

noun
/ˌdʒiːəˈmɛtrɪdiː/

Specialized

: Geometridae

Research has shown that the Geometridae family plays a significant role in various ecosystems as herbivores.

Examples

The larvae of the Geometridae are known as measuring worms because of their distinctive looping movement.
Of the macrolepidoptera, the Geometridae were most diverse, with eight species on the complete list.

Academic text (2010)
Many gardeners appreciate the Geometridae moths for their beautiful wing patterns and nocturnal activity.

Synonyms

family Geometridae

vsGeometridae

Specialized

9.3

A large group of moths whose caterpillars move like inchworms

is the simpler scientific name without extra common names or size notes

Compounds

family Geometridae

Specialized

9.3

A large group of moths whose caterpillars move like inchworms

Surface Forms

Geometridae singular

Geometridae plural

Morphology

Geometridae = geometrid (opaque) = geometr + idae

The element '-idae' is a technical taxonomic ending unfamiliar to most learners, so knowing 'geometr-' (related to measuring) does not allow a B1 learner to infer 'family of moths'.

Etymology

Geometridae comes from Greek parts geo- 'earth' and -metri- 'measure', the same idea you see in geometry and the word meter. The caterpillars of these moths move in a looping way that looks like they are 'measuring' the ground, so they are called inchworms or 'measuring worms', and that motion gave the family its name.