The Difference Between Moths & Butterflies

I remember when I was a kid being fascinated by these insects with different coloured wings and protruding antennae that for the most part seemed to be more or less the same except for their colours.  Now that I’m older and wiser I realize that I was lumping butterflies and moths into the same category when in fact there are quite a few differences.

           

For one thing you will notice, if you look, that when a moth is at rest, they hold their wings flat against their bodies while butterflies hold their wings together straight up from their bodies.

           

The antennae are also different.  A moth’s antennae look a little fuzzy or feathery and are simply one long filament, while a butterfly’s antennae are slender and have a knob at the end.

           

Of course, the most obvious difference is in the colouring of the wings.  Butterfly wings come in a lovely array of colours and patterns.  All you need to do is compare the vivid orange of the Monarch to the iridescent blues of the Morpho Blue to get a glimpse of how wide this range is.  Moths, on the other hand, have wings that are in brown or grey shades. 

           

As far as the body type, moths tend to have a thicker torso that is covered in hair.  Butterflies have smooth bodies that are more slender.

           

Even before birth, the cocoons differ.  During the pupae stage, most butterflies form an exposed pupa known as a chrysalis.  If you look closely, you may be able to see the butterfly through the outer layer – it’s really interesting!  Most moth caterpillars spin a silk cocoon that is much denser, although certain species of moths such as hawk moths or gypsy moths will form a pupa more similar to that of a butterfly.

           

Moths are nocturnal preferring to come out at night when it’s cooler (remember they have that hairy body) while butterflies prefer the daylight – not surprising as if you have that pretty and colourful a coat, why not show it off!