Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Macleay's Spectre

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute	Peppered Moth Dark Form	Macleay's Spectre
Scientific Name	Biston betularia f. carbonaria	Extatosoma popa
Order	Lepidoptera	Phasmatodea
Family	Geometridae	Phasmatidae
Size	42-52 mm wingspan	10-14 cm
Habitat	Underground	Forests
Diet	Herbivores	Herbivores
Regions	Europe	Papua New Guinea
Conservation	Least Concern	Least Concern

Peppered Moth Dark Form

The dark melanic form of the famous peppered moth, a textbook example of natural selection. Became dominant during industrial pollution when soot darkened tree bark.

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Did You Know?

The rise and fall of the dark form tracks industrial pollution so closely it remains the best example of evolution in action.

Macleay's Spectre

A large, leaf-mimicking phasmid closely related to the giant prickly stick insect. Its body is covered in lobed projections resembling dried leaves.

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Did You Know?

Its lobed body appendages curl and resemble dead, decaying leaves to perfection.