Peppered Moth vs Ornate Pygmy Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth | Ornate Pygmy Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Biston betularia | Tetrix ornata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Tetrigidae |
| Size | 45-62 mm wingspan | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | North 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.
Ornate Pygmy Grasshopper
A tiny, intricately patterned groundhopper found on bare sandy soils in North American prairies and open woodlands. Its flattened, cryptic body blends perfectly with gravel and dry soil surfaces.
Did You Know?
When disturbed it can leap into a short flight that ends with a tumbling landing, making it very hard to track.