Geometrid caterpillars are frequently called “inchworms.” An inchworm only has two pairs of fleshy prolegs near the tip of its abdomen, along with the usual six legs on the thorax. It moves by bringing the rear part of the abdomen toward the thorax, forming a loop out of its body. Many Geometrids, including this one, mimic twigs in posture and color. They feed on leaves of various plants, and some are pests of crops and forests. This “twig” was enjoying a snow pea. There are 600 species known to occur in the Pacific Northwest, making this caterpillar tricky to identify.
Photo by: Robin Tawney Nichols on 8/21/21 near Missoula, MT