Similarities Between Moths And Butterflies

So you would think that despite the fact that there are visible differences between moths and butterflies, there would also be a number of similarities.  And, of course, there are!

The most common and widely spread order of insects is Lepidoptera, and both of these flying delights belong to it. 

I found the word, Lepidoptera, so interesting that I had to share some facts.  The word was coined by Swedish botanist Carolus Linnaeus in 1773 and is derived from the Latin word for scaly wing.  In all, there are over 170,000 species in this order that are known.  There may be more.  That’s right – more beautiful butterflies to admire and more moths to eat your clothes!

But back to some more similarities.  They all go through four life cycle stages – egg, larva, pupa and adult. 

They all also have tiny three dimensional scale-like structures on their wings, which serve a couple of different purposes. The first is the more well-known effect: creating the colours of the wings.  These structures also assist in thermoregulation and flight.  In males, the scales play a part in the production of pheromones – so crucial in the courtship and mating ritual. 

The benefits to humans of these insects include the pollination of plants, essential in food production.  Some moths and butterflies produce certain chemicals in their bodies that may, for example, be used in the production of antibiotics.

In studying symbolism, both moths and butterflies have had their run at it.  In ancient Greek mythology moths and butterflies were sometimes associated with death.  In Japan a butterfly was seen as representative of a person’s soul.  In China, two butterflies flying together symbolize love.  Some feel that moths symbolize sensuality because moths are attracted to light much as sensuality involves physical attraction. 

So whether a moth or a butterfly, they are similar in that they have their own form of beauty.

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!