Peppered Moth

Natural Habitat

Woodlands, gardens, and shrublands throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Diet & Feeding

Adults primarily drink nectar; larvae (caterpillars) feed on foliage of various deciduous trees like birch, willow, and oak.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal and well-known for their camouflage. They rest on tree trunks during the day with wings flat. They are a famous example of natural selection due to the 'industrial melanism' where darker variants became more common during the industrial revolution.

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans. They serve as an important food source for birds and are significant in biological education and research regarding evolution.

Identified on: 3/12/2026