Peppered Moth
Biston betularia
This record describes Biston betularia (species). Recorded family: Geometridae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wingspan 35-60 mm. A favourite of genetic studies, this species shows well the phenomenon of industrial melanism, where all-dark individuals became the dominant form in certain parts of northern England. Nowadays, the melanic form carbonaria is declining again in these areas. The flight period is from May to August. The larvae feed on a range of trees and plants. Common throughout most of Britain though more locally distributed in Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Geometroidea
- Family
- Geometridae (Geometrid Moths)
- Subfamily
- Ennominae
- Tribe
- Bistonini
- Genus
- Biston
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a range of habitats.
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is from May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae feed on a range of trees and plants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout most of Britain though more locally distributed in Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Biston betularia. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Peppered Moth (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppered Moth
What is Peppered Moth?
Peppered Moth (Biston betularia) is a species in the family Geometridae, within the order Lepidoptera.
Where is Peppered Moth found?
Habitat: Found in a range of habitats.
When is Peppered Moth active?
Peppered Moth: seasonal activity - The flight period is from May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Peppered Moth?
The larvae feed on a range of trees and plants.