Peppered Moth Dark Form vs Painted Jezebel
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth Dark Form | Painted Jezebel |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Biston betularia f. carbonaria | Delias hyparete |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Geometridae | Pieridae |
| Size | 42-52 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasites |
| Regions | Europe | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam) |
| 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.
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.
Painted Jezebel
A brightly colored butterfly with white uppersides and strikingly colorful undersides featuring red, yellow, and black patches on the hindwings. It often roosts in large communal groups.
Did You Know?
At dusk, dozens of individuals gather in communal roosts hanging upside down from branches, displaying their warning-colored undersides.