peppered moth

noun

1. a European geometrid moth, Biston betularia, occurring in a pale grey speckled form in rural areas and a black form in industrial regions See also melanism

Example Sentences

Probably the best-known example of urban evolution is the English peppered moth whose coloration darkened in the 19th century in response to coal pollution.

From Scientific American

Until recently, the most famous example of rapid evolution was the story of the peppered moth.

From Salon

The apparent swiftness of the change recalls the case of the peppered moth, whose coloration shifted from light to dark as air pollution from the Industrial Revolution in England darkened the trees it lived on — light moths, of course, were more visible to predators in their changed environment.

From New York Times

As an adult, Drabble took umbrage at Byatt’s portrayal of warring sisters in The Game, while Byatt sulked at Drabble’s depiction of their mother in The Peppered Moth.

From The Guardian

Peppered moth caterpillars live across the Northern Hemisphere, from the forests of China to the backyards of North America.

From New York Times