Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Black and Yellow Longhorn

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peppered Moth Dark Form Black and Yellow Longhorn
Scientific Name Biston betularia f. carbonaria Rutpela maculata
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Geometridae Cerambycidae
Size 42-52 mm wingspan 13-20mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Peppered Moth Dark Form

The dark melanic form of the famous peppered moth, a textbook example of natural selection. Became dominant during industrial pollution when soot darkened tree bark.

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Did You Know?

The rise and fall of the dark form tracks industrial pollution so closely it remains the best example of evolution in action.

Black and Yellow Longhorn

A slender wasp-mimicking beetle with yellow elytra marked with black bands and spots. It is a common flower visitor in European summers.

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Did You Know?

Its wasp-like coloring is a form of Batesian mimicry that deters predators despite being completely harmless.