There are inchworms in California, but I don't remember ever seeing one-- at least not one as perfect as this little guy hanging out on our cabana yesterday. I didn't have as much outdoor time in California.
The first thing I learned about the inchworm is that it is one word, not two. Also, there are a heck of a lot of inchworm companies and product lines out there. Not sure why. Seems like it would make one's company sound like it was on the slower side.
Anyhoo, the inchworm's inchi-ness comes from his lack of middle legs, poor guy. He's only got legs on each end, so he's constantly scooting his tushie to catch up with himself.
He is the caterpillar of the geometer moth, which is a whole gigantic family that lives all over the place. The geometer moth got its name (geo=earth, meter=measure) because the caterpillar looks like it's measuring the earth as it trundles along.
I kind of like the idea of measuring the earth with each step; it's taking "stop and smell the roses" to a whole new level. Of course, if was a geometer moth, I'd probably stop and eat the roses. Well, I do enjoy flower petals in my salad. Yum.
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