- The "typical" version of the peppered moth has light-colored wings with dark speckles.
- The "carbonaria" version has dark, almost black wings.
- Adult moths survive predators by resting on tree trunks and branches, where their wing coloration provides camouflage against birds.
- Peppered moths are approximately 5 cm (2 inches) across when their wings are spread.
- Peppered moths have two pairs of wings and six legs.
- The larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of various trees, especially birch, willow, and oak.
- The length of the larval stage depends on environmental conditions but typically lasts several weeks to a couple of months before pupating.
- The name given to the middle color of moths is "insularia," which is an intermediate form between the light and dark varieties.
- Predators of the peppered moth include birds such as robins, sparrows, and starlings.
- The peppered moth’s body is covered in fine scales that create its wing patterns and colors.
- The Industrial Revolution led to widespread pollution, particularly soot from coal-burning factories, which darkened tree bark and killed light-colored lichens.
- The change in moth color was caused by natural selection: darker moths became more common because they were better camouflaged against soot-darkened trees, while lighter moths were more easily seen and eaten by predators.
- Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
- Dark moths had an advantage during the Industrial Revolution because their dark coloration provided better camouflage against pollution-darkened tree trunks, reducing predation and increasing survival and reproduction rates.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of peppered moth worksheet.
