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Peppered Moth — printable fact sheet
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Peppered Moth
Biston betularia
The peppered moth is a medium-sized moth known for its speckled black-and-white wings, which provide camouflage against lichen-covered trees. It has become a classic example of natural selection, particularly due to its role in studies of industrial melanism in 19th-century Engl…
Did you know?
- During the Industrial Revolution, the frequency of the dark-colored (melanic) form of the peppered moth dramatically increased in polluted areas due to better camouflage on soot-darkened trees.
- The peppered moth played a key role in demonstrating natural selection in action during the Industrial Revolution. Its two color morphs—light and dark—help it blend in with different backgrounds, offering protection from predators. The moth's scientific name, 'betularia,' refers to its association with birch trees.
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