Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Comet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Peppered Moth Dark Form	Comet Moth
Scientific Name	Biston betularia f. carbonaria	Argema mittrei
Order	Lepidoptera	Lepidoptera
Family	Geometridae	Saturniidae
Size	42-52 mm wingspan	200 mm wingspan, 150 mm tail
Habitat	Underground	Forests
Diet	Herbivores	Herbivores
Regions	Europe	Africa
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.

Comet Moth

One of the worlds largest silk moths, with brilliant yellow wings and tail spans reaching 20 cm. Endemic to Madagascar. Males have longer tails than females.

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Did You Know?

The comet moths spectacular 15-20 cm tail is the longest of any moth — and like the luna moth, it likely evolved to confuse bat echolocation.