Lord Howe Island Stick Insect vs Peppered Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lord Howe Island Stick Insect | Peppered Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dryococelus australis | Biston betularia |
| Order | Phasmatodea | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Phasmatidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 120-150 mm | 45-62 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Heathland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Once thought extinct after rats were introduced in 1918, a tiny population was rediscovered in 2001 on Balls Pyramid, a volcanic sea stack 23 km from Lord Howe Island.
Did You Know?
Fewer than 30 individuals were found clinging to a single bush on a barren sea stack — making this the rarest insect rediscovery in history. Captive breeding saved the species.
Peppered Moth
The classic textbook example of natural selection in action. During the Industrial Revolution, dark (melanic) forms became dominant in polluted areas with soot-darkened trees.
Did You Know?
The peppered moth is the most famous example of observed evolution — dark moths increased from 2% to 95% of the population during Britains Industrial Revolution.