Peppered moth

Also known as Biston betularia

species of insect

Species

Peppered Moth

species

Observations16,426

桦尺蠖（学名：Biston betularia）又称桦尺蛾，古稱蝍𧐴，尺蠖蛾科，是一種在溫帶生活的夜行性蛾。桦尺蠖在生物演化论的科学发展史上有着重大的意义，其演化過程經常被援引作例子。

via

Wikidata facts

Image: Peppered moth (Biston betularia) female.jpg

Show 6 more facts

taxon name: Biston betularia
Commons category: Biston betularia
Commons gallery: Biston betularia
taxon common name: bjørkelurvemåler
wingspan: 42.5
short name: B. betularia

Sources (4)

via Wikidata · CC0

~12 min read

Article

The peppered moth (Biston betularia) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is night flying, and found mainly in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Peppered moth evolution is an example of population genetics and natural selection.

The caterpillars of the peppered moth not only mimic the form but also the colour of a twig. Recent research indicates that the caterpillars can sense the twig's colour with their skin and match their body colour to the background to protect themselves from predators.