You may have heard of a peppered moth, a fascinating example of natural selection, but you've probably never seen one, as they are famed for being masters of camouflage. Peppered moths can be found across Europe, and North America, and are abundant in the UK. They have the scientific name Biston betularia, and whether or not you are a keen lepidopterist, what may interest you is that they have invited several reports and articles from wildlife institutions over the years, as they provide a prime example of evolution in the modern age.

The theory of natural selection describes how members of a species with random genetic mutations that are more advantageous to their environment, are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their desired characteristics. The peppered moths used to be predominantly pale, with dark flecks, and were able to blend in with a prevalent species of lichen, prior to the industrial revolution. However, this key turning point in the UK's history triggered a drastic rise in carbon particulates produced from factories, which was detrimental to air quality in cities. This led to the decline of this white lichen. 

The lighter moths no longer had the upper hand, and were soon targeted by their natural predators, including birds, insects, and small mammals, such as hedgehogs. Therefore, peppered moths with a specific genetic mutation that caused their wings to be almost black, were favoured by natural selection. They were able to camouflage better against the darker tree bark. This variation of peppered moths grew in number, and eventually overtook their lighter counterparts. 

In recent years, there have been more recorded moths with the lighter-winged phenotype, however, they are still more common in rural areas, where the changing levels of pollution didn't significantly affect native lichen species. While seemingly small and insignificant, the tale of the peppered moth is frequently mentioned in schools nationwide to teach a vital concept suggested by Darwin centuries ago.