Peppered Moth vs Peacock Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth | Peacock Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Biston betularia | Aglais io |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Nymphalidae |
| Size | 45-62 mm wingspan | 50-55 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Europe, Asia |
| 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.
Peacock Butterfly
Reddish-brown wings with four large blue and yellow eyespots resembling peacock feathers. Undersides are nearly black, providing camouflage when at rest.
Did You Know?
When threatened, it rapidly opens its wings to flash its eyespots while making a hissing sound.