peppered moth

noun

: a European geometrid moth (Biston betularia) that typically has white wings with small black specks but also occurs as a solid black form especially in areas where the air is heavily polluted by industry

Examples of peppered moth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their conclusions are backed up by other studies of evolution, such as in Darwin's finches, or the peppered moth. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 22 Feb. 2018

In 1848, a Manchester lepidopterist called R.L. Edleston caught a rare variety of the peppered moth, normally a pale, delicately ornamented creature. —Cal Flyn, WSJ, 3 June 2021

After the Clean Air Acts of 1956 and 1968 were passed in the U.K., air quality improved, and the peppered moth slowly reverted to its paler form. —Cal Flyn, WSJ, 3 June 2021

Evolutionary biologist’s posthumous publication restores peppered moth to iconic status as textbook example of evolution Ink Wants to Form Neurons, and an Artful Scientist Obliges Dinosaur tracks? —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 5 May 2012

The peppered moth is a poster species for evolution by natural selection. —Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2016

Scientists have finally pinpointed the genetic mutation that made the peppered moth a Biology 101 fixture. —Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 14 Dec. 2016

The peppered moth and the final experiment of Michael Majerus America to collide with Asia... —Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 18 Feb. 2012

Until recently, the most famous example of rapid evolution was the story of the peppered moth. —Vaughn Cooper, Quartz, 10 Sep. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

peppered moth

noun

: a European moth that normally has white wings with small black specks but often has black wings in areas with heavy air pollution