SCIENTIFIC NAME: BISTON BETULARIA
VERNACULAR NAME: PEPPERED MOTH

Fig 1 Fig 2
ADULT Wingspan 35-60 mm.  A variable moth due to it being prone to industrial melanism. The typical form is white with various black speckles throughout. The melanistic form is light to dark brown with an almost black body and head.
CHRYSALIS Overwinters.
LARVA July to September and are pale brown or green and resemble twigs. They feed on a wide variety of trees and plants.
BEHAVIOUR Attracted to light. 
HABITAT Parks, Gardens, woodland, coastal areas, urban areas and a variety of other habitats.
FLIGHT PERIOD Single brooded.  May to August.
STATUS Resident.  Common becoming more localised towards Scotland.

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