Peppered Moth
Image: Ben Sale from Stevenage, UK (CC BY 2.0)
Common NamePeppered Moth
Scientific NameBiston betularia
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)47.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black, grey
HabitatWoodlands, forests, gardens, urban areas
Geographic RangeEurope, Asia, North America
Host Plantsbirch, willow, oak, elm, lime
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green or brown twig mimics, feeding on leaves. They pupate in the soil over winter, emerging as adults in spring/summer.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its distinctive 'peppered' pattern of black speckles on a pale background. Melanic forms (carbonaria) are entirely black.
Description
A medium-sized moth with white or pale grey wings densely speckled with black, providing excellent camouflage against lichen-covered tree bark.
