Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Peachtree Borer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth Dark Form | Peachtree Borer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Biston betularia f. carbonaria | Synanthedon exitiosa |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Sesiidae |
| Size | 42-52 mm wingspan | 25–33 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| 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.
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.
Peachtree Borer
A clearwing moth that is the most destructive borer of peach trees in North America. Larvae feed in the bark at the soil line of stone fruit trees.
Did You Know?
A single larva can girdle and kill a young peach tree in one season by feeding completely around the trunk base.