#measuring worms

𝑷𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒚𝒎𝒂 𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂

Formerly known as “Geometra floresaria”

Order Lepidoptera Superfamily Geometroidea Family Geometridae “Loopers, Measuring Worms, Span Worms, Inch Worms, Twig Caterpillars, Emeralds, Waves, Carpets” Subfamily Geometrinae Tribe Geometrini

The Adult moth is triangular shaped, with white edges on a green body. There’s also small white dots lining one third away from the white edge, along with four small black dots; one in the centre of each wing.

The Larval stage has yet to be found.

This species is occurs in Q.L.D and also Indonesia

𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒂

“Cream Wave”

Order Lepidoptera Superfamily Geometroidea Family Geometridae “Loopers, Measuring Worms, Span Worms, Inch Worms, Twig Caterpillars, Emeralds, Waves, Carpets” Subfamily Sterrhinae

The Adult moth ranges in colour from pale green to yellow.

The Larval stage (has yet to be photographed) feeds on

Begoniaceae “Begonia”

The Eggs are white, small, and (seemingly) laid slightly diagonally. They develop red spots the caterpillar comes closer to hatching. More info in source below.

This species is found in many Australian states:

Q.L.D

N.S.W

A.C.T

Vic.

Tas.

S.A.

And she brought up Measuring Worms.

As a kid, an elderly relative from Kentucky (USA) spent his final days in her home, with dementia. And he frequently spoke about the Measuring Worms in his Shoes. As a child, she couldn't glean whether this was some Appalachian idiom or whether- as his mind deteriorated (dementia is SCARY)- he was hallucinating/ vividly remembering actual caterpillars.