span worm

[/spæn wɜːrm/]
nounpl: span worms
lagarta-medideira
1. A caterpillar of the family Geometridae that moves by arching its body, bringing its hind legs forward to meet its front legs, creating a characteristic looping or measuring motion
The span worm inched along the leaf by contracting and extending its body.
A lagarta-medideira se movia ao longo da folha contraindo e estendendo seu corpo.
2. Any measuring worm or inchworm, particularly those in the geometer moth family
Gardeners often notice span worms on their plants during spring.
Os jardineiros frequentemente notam lagartas-medideiras nas plantas durante a primavera.
Span worms are commonly referenced in American agricultural and gardening contexts as common garden pests. In Brazilian Portuguese, the term 'lagarta-medideira' literally translates to 'measuring caterpillar,' reflecting the insect's characteristic looping movement that appears to measure distance.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
inchwormmeasuring wormloopergeometer

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
lagarta-medideira
standard term used throughout Brazil
Portugal
lagarta-medideira
same term used in European Portuguese

Related Words

caterpillarGeometridaemothlarvachrysalis
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