Peppered Moth vs Nettle Pug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth | Nettle Pug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Biston betularia | Eupithecia venosata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Geometridae |
| Size | 45-62 mm wingspan | 20-24 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Herbivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe |
| 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.
Nettle Pug
A small pug moth associated with bladder campion, not nettles despite its name. Larvae feed inside the inflated seed capsules. A rather attractive species.
Did You Know?
Despite being called 'Nettle Pug', it has no association with nettles and feeds entirely on campion.