Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Tiger Moth of the Amazon

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peppered Moth Dark Form Tiger Moth of the Amazon
Scientific Name Biston betularia f. carbonaria Idalus herois
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Geometridae Erebidae
Size 42-52 mm wingspan 50-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia
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.

Tiger Moth of the Amazon

A striking moth with bold black and white striped forewings and orange hind wings with black spots. The bright colors serve as aposematic warning signals.

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Did You Know?

When attacked, it produces ultrasonic clicks that jam bat echolocation sonar, rendering itself invisible to hunting bats.