Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Kamehameha Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peppered Moth Dark Form Kamehameha Butterfly
Scientific Name Biston betularia f. carbonaria Vanessa tameamea
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Nymphalidae
Size 42-52 mm wingspan 60-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Herbivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe Hawaii
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Kamehameha Butterfly

Hawaii's state insect, a beautiful orange-and-black butterfly endemic to the islands. It is one of only two butterfly species native to Hawaii.

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Did You Know?

It was designated Hawaii's state insect in 2009 and is named after the Hawaiian royal dynasty.