Peppered Moth vs Long-tailed Skipper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth | Long-tailed Skipper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Biston betularia | Urbanus proteus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Hesperiidae |
| Size | 45-62 mm wingspan | 43-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Southern United States through Central and South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Peppered Moth
The classic textbook example of natural selection in action. During the Industrial Revolution, dark (melanic) forms became dominant in polluted areas with soot-darkened trees.
Did You Know?
The peppered moth is the most famous example of observed evolution — dark moths increased from 2% to 95% of the population during Britains Industrial Revolution.
Long-tailed Skipper
A striking skipper with iridescent blue-green body and wing bases and long tail-like projections on the hindwings. It is a strong flier and occasional migrant.
Did You Know?
Known as the bean leaf roller because the caterpillar folds bean leaves into tubular shelters.