Peppered Moth vs Silver-spotted Ghost Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth | Silver-spotted Ghost Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Biston betularia | Sthenopis argenteomaculatus |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Hepialidae |
| Size | 45-62 mm wingspan | 60-75 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Herbivores | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Asia, North America | Eastern 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.
Silver-spotted Ghost Moth
A large ghost moth from North America with silver-spotted wings. Caterpillars bore into the roots of alder trees, taking two years to develop. Adults emerge for brief nocturnal mating flights.
Did You Know?
Larvae spend up to two years boring through alder tree roots in waterlogged soil before pupating.