Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Peppered Moth Dark Form	Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect
Scientific Name	Biston betularia f. carbonaria	Phyllium malagassum
Order	Lepidoptera	Phasmatodea
Family	Geometridae	Phylliidae
Size	42-52 mm wingspan	60-80 mm
Habitat	Underground	Forests
Diet	Herbivores	Herbivores
Regions	Europe	Madagascar
Conservation	Least Concern	Data Deficient

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.

Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect

A remarkable leaf insect with a broad, flat green body that exactly mimics a living leaf, complete with mid-ribs, veins, and even faux bite marks. Females are wingless while males can fly.

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Did You Know?

When walking, it sways side to side to mimic a leaf blowing in the wind, making it nearly impossible to detect among real foliage.