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That they move slowly is the reason for calling an inchworm an inchworm.

Specifically, the caterpillars in question are the larval stages of moths in the Geomitridae family. They have three pairs of legs toward the front of the body, nothing in the middle, and two or three pairs of prolegs (abdominal appendages which facilitate movement) in the rear. They therefore move by pulling the rear end forward while holding on with the front legs and then progressing forward on the front legs while holding on with the prolegs.

The overall effect is one of inching along a surface.

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11y ago

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