Peppered moth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peppered moth |
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| Biston betularia betularia morpha typica | |
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Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
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| Scientific classification | |
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Biston
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B. betularia
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| Biston betularia |
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The Peppered moth (Biston betularia) is a type of moth that flies at night. These moths are famous because they show us a great example of natural selection. This is a process where living things that are best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their traits. Peppered moths have two main forms: one is light-colored, and the other is dark. The story of how their colors changed over time is a classic example of evolution in action. You can learn more about their amazing journey on the Peppered moth evolution page.
What is a Peppered Moth?
The Peppered moth is a fascinating insect. It's known for its unique appearance, which helps it blend in with its surroundings. These moths are often studied to understand how animals adapt to changes in their environment.
How They Look
Peppered moths have a wingspan of about 5.5 to 6.2 centimeters (about 2.2 to 2.4 inches). They have a sturdy body and their front wings are quite long and narrow.
Their wings are mostly white, but they are covered in black speckles, like pepper. They also have black lines crossing their wings. The amount of black speckles can be very different from one moth to another. Some moths might have very few speckles, making them look almost white. Others can have so many speckles that their wings appear almost completely black with just a few white spots. Male moths have special feathery antennae.
Where They Live
You can find Biston betularia in many parts of the world. They live across a wide range of areas, including China, Russia, Mongolia, and Japan. They are also found in North Korea, South Korea, Nepal, and several countries in Central Asia like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. In the Caucasus region, they live in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. You can also spot them all over Europe and North America.
Images for kids
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Biston betularia caterpillars on birch (left) and willow (right), demonstrating twig mimicry and effective countershading.
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Figure 2a. Total number of observed moths = 59: Exposed trunk = 7; unexposed trunk = 7; trunk-branch joint = 23; branches = 22
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Figure 2b. Total number of observed moths = 23: Exposed trunk =1; unexposed trunk =1; trunk branch join = 3; branches thicker than 5 centimetres diameter = 10; branches and twigs less thick than 5 centimetres = 8
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Biston betularia betularia morpha typica, the white-bodied peppered moth.
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Biston betularia betularia morpha carbonaria, the black-bodied peppered moth.
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Subspecies parva (male)
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Subspecies parva (female)
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Subspecies Biston betularia nepalensis (male)
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Subspecies nepalensis (female)
See also
In Spanish: Mariposa de los abedules para niños
