Melanistic Peppered Moth

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, gardens, and urban areas across temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere.

Diet & Feeding

Adults primarily feed on nectar; larvae (caterpillars) are polyphagous, feeding on the leaves of various trees like birch, willow, and oak.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and attracted to light. This species is famous for its evolutionary history where the dark (melanistic) form became dominant in industrial areas for camouflage against soot-covered trees, known as industrial melanism.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans; serves as an important pollinator and a food source for birds and bats. It is a critical case study in evolutionary biology.

Identified on: 5/2/2026