Biston betularia

Irish Status: Widespread and Common

Peppered Moth - this night flying moth has wingspan of 45-62 mm. The caterpillar is a twig mimic. It was one of the first animals to be identified as being camouflaged. The wing patterns can vary greatly. There is the one shown here and a black form. Some even have shades of green or brown. They fly from May to August. These were  photographed at Greaghnafarna Co. Leitrim.