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Biston betularia, peppered moth
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Biston betularia, peppered moth
Two specimens of the same species of moth illustrating industrial melanism, which is abnormal deposits of melanin (especially in the skin)
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Media ID 8597459
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10704053
Arthropod Arthropoda Biston Geometer Moth Geometridae Hexapod Hexapoda Insecta Lepidoptera Lepidopteran Moth Pair Peppered Speckled Biston Betularia Biston Betularius Invertebrata Melanism Peppered Moth
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this studio shot, two specimens of Biston betularia, commonly known as peppered moths, are showcased in an intriguing display of nature's adaptability. The moths, belonging to the Geometridae family, are both members of the same species, yet their appearances starkly contrast due to an intriguing phenomenon known as industrial melanism. Industrial melanism is a form of polymorphism, characterized by the abnormal deposits of melanin, a pigment responsible for darkening the coloration of an organism. In the case of the peppered moth, this adaptation took place during the Industrial Revolution in Europe when soot from factories darkened the forests. The darker moths, like the one on the right in this image, became better camouflaged against the darkened tree trunks, reducing their chances of being spotted by predators. The lighter moth, on the left, sports the typical speckled pattern that is common to the species. This pattern, while effective in natural environments, made it more vulnerable to predation in the polluted urban landscapes of the time. The darker moth's adaptation to industrial melanism is a prime example of how natural selection can favor certain traits in response to environmental pressures. These hexapod arthropods, with their six legs and two pairs of wings, are part of the Lepidoptera order, which includes moths and butterflies. Their intricate wings and delicate bodies are a testament to the beauty and complexity of the invertebrate world. This pair of peppered moths, captured in this stunning photograph, offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural world and the remarkable adaptations that allow organisms to thrive in their environments.
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