70.252 BF1931

Peppered Moth Biston betularia

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Wingspan 35-60 mm.

A favourite of genetic studies, this species shows well the phenomenon of industrial melanism, where all-dark individuals became the dominant form in certain parts of northern England.

Nowadays, the melanic form f. carbonaria is declining again in these areas.

The flight period is from May to August, and the species is common throughout most of Britain though more locally distributed in Scotland.

The larvae feed on a range of trees and plants, and can be found in a range of habitats. They vary in colour from green through shades of brown.