Home / Geometer Moths (Geometridae) / Peppered Moth(Biston betularia)

Peppered Moth(Biston betularia)

Peppered moth, a night-flying moth species of the Geometridae family, occurs in different regions of China, alongside Japan, North Korea, South Korea, India, and parts of North America and Europe. They are called peppered moths because of the unique pattern of their wings, white sprinkled in black or vice-versa.

The evolution phenomena, commonly associated with these species, serves as an example of the natural selection process and population genetics.  During the 19th century, the peppered moths of England, particularly the industrial city Manchester, eventually transitioned to a darker coloration from their initial pattern. Through several research, it was deduced that the Industrial Revolution was the primary reason behind their dark colors, which, however, occurred through natural selection. The moths tried to attain a body-color in adaptation to their surroundings as a survival strategy.

Scientific Classification


  • Family: Geometridae
  • Genus: Biston
  • Scientific Name: Biston Betularia

Peppered Moth

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Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The caterpillars of the peppered moth have an innate ability to mimic the color and form of twigs. Their shades mostly vary from green to brown, depending on the kinds of branches they feed. As per research, the larvae can sense the twig’s color using their skin, thus matching their body coloration accordingly to shield themselves from predators.

Peppered Moth Larvae

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Peppered Moth Caterpillar

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Pupa

The peppered moth’s pupa has a reddish-brown body. The larvae survive the winters by transforming into a pupa. The adult moth emerges between May and August.

Peppered Moth Cocoon

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present

Color and Appearance: When opened, the wings in the light-colored peppered moths appear with black specklesHowever, it is the other way for the dark peppered moths; black with white speckles. When closed, the peppered pattern remains mostly the same.

The antennae in males have a comb-like projection that remains absent in females.

Average wingspan: 4.5 – 6.2 cm

Flight pattern: Consistent

Peppered Moth Image

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Biston betularia

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Eggs

The oval-shaped eggs are pale green, with a length of approximately 1 mm.

Quick Facts

Other namesDarwin’s moth
DistributionChina (in regions like Jilin, Hebei, Shanxi, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Yunnan), Mongolia, Russia, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan
HabitatGardens, woodlands, hedgerows, parks, scrublands
PredatorsBirds like flycatchers, nuthatches, European robin
Lifespan of adultsOne year  
Host plants /Larva foodOak, birch, and willow leaves
Adult dietNectars of host plants

Did You Know

  • The melanic (dark) and nonmelanic (light) types of peppered moth are known by several names in different regions. In Britain, the white ones are typica, and the dark ones, carbonaria. In North America, the melanic ones are swettaria.
  • Since Charles Darwin discovered the natural selection theory seen in these moths, they are even called Darwin’s moth.
Peppered Moth Picture

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Black Peppered Moth

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Light Peppered Moth

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