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A pale peppered moth resting near the upper part of a mottled birch trunk, its speckled wings blending into the bark.
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Compare pale and dark forms
A dark peppered moth and a pale peppered moth shown together on a birch trunk.
A comparison photograph of the two colour forms. This illustrates their appearance; it is not a predation experiment. Image: Martinowksy at Dutch Wikipedia (Original text: Maarten Sanne) · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0. Unchanged Commons original; viewing previews may be resized.
Animal camouflage / Natural adaptation

Peppered Moth — Disappearing into Bark

Speckled wings repeat the tones and texture of tree bark.

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Find the moth near the upper part of the trunk. Follow the wing edges, then step back and see how the speckles merge with the bark.

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History, evidence & image credit

THE IMAGE IN THIS ARCHIVE

Gilles San Martin

Original file & attribution · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Frequently asked questions

What is Peppered Moth — Disappearing into Bark?

Speckled wings repeat the tones and texture of tree bark.

What should I look for in Peppered Moth — Disappearing into Bark?

Find the moth near the upper part of the trunk. Follow the wing edges, then step back and see how the speckles merge with the bark.

What explains Peppered Moth — Disappearing into Bark?

Pale and dark forms suit different backgrounds. The pale form blends better with lichen-covered bark; dark forms can match darker bark. Camouflage depends on the surroundings and the observer’s vision. An adult moth does not switch its wing colour to match each tree.

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A pale peppered moth resting near the upper part of a mottled birch trunk, its speckled wings blending into the bark.

Peppered Moth — Disappearing into Bark