Peppered moth

Peppered moth ( Biston betularia )

The peppered moth ( Biston betularia ) is a butterfly (moth ) from the family of the tensioner ( Geometridae ).

• 7.1 Notes and references
• 7.2 Literature

Description

The peppered moth is well camouflaged by white base color with black markings and therefore especially in the branches of a birch. The nocturnal insect can reach a wingspan of up to 55 millimeters.

Similar Species

• Poplar body Dick Spanner ( Biston strataria ) ( Hufnagel, 1767)

Subspecies

From East Asia, Central Asia and Transcaucasia different subspecies are known.

Molding

• B. betularia f carbonaria: The theory that in areas of England with badly eroded and thus darker, lichen poor birch logs the dark form predominates ( " industrial melanism " ) is controversial.

Flight time

It makes a year a generation that flies from May to August.

Habitat

The peppered moth inhabited among other floodplains, breakage and mixed deciduous forests and the adjoining shrubbery rich border zones. In a working culture or aufgelassenem country including the densely built-up residential areas, it can be observed.

Way of life

The species feeds on extremely polyphagous, the butterfly lays eggs on the leaves of deciduous trees, mostly poplar (Populus spp.), Birch (Betula spp.), Willow (Salix spp.) Or oak (Quercus spp.) From. Ebert lists 45 different species of plants alone for Baden- Württemberg. The green to brownish caterpillar feeds on the leaves. Pupation occurs in the soil.

Dissemination

The distribution area of the peppered moth ranges from the Iberian Peninsula throughout Europe as well as the temperate regions of East Asia. The north-south distribution extends from the Mediterranean and Asia Minor into middle Fennoscandia. The peppered moth is widespread in North America.