A Students Guide to Butterflies

Module 7: The Differences Between a Moth and a Butterfly

What is the difference between a moth and a butterfly? There isn't a single defining characteristic that defines a moth versus a butterfly. Rather there are a number of characteristics. The following is a list of most of the differences:

1. A butterfly flies by day, and a moth by night. There are some day flying moths and butterflies that fly at dusk.
2. A butterfly always has a feeding mechanism (proboscis), whereas a moth often does not. These moths simply do not eat as adults as they have done all their eating as larvae.
3. A butterfly rests with its wings closed and a moth lands with them open. A notable exception are the butterflies of the Hamadryas genus (Nymphaliinae) that always land with their wings laid flat.
4. A butterfly forms a chrysalis which hangs, and is always produced by a single butterfly and without silk. A moth forms a cocoon, usually on the ground and surrounded by silk.
5. The antennae of a butterfly are straight and club-like. The antennae of a moth vary greatly but are usually brush like with a great deal more surface area.

Similarities Between Moths and Butterflies

Butterflies and moths both belong to a group of insect we call Lepidoptera. Although there are certain differences between moths and butterflies as mentioned above, there are many similarities as well. Lepidoptera translated from Greek means wings of a scale. All moths and butterflies share the trait that they have tiny three dimensional structures on their wings which function in a couple of ways. First, these scales produce many of the brillant colors that we see on these insects as they are flying or simply resting. As light passes through these scales, it is reflected differently and in many cases the resulting appearance is a brillant and iridescent wing. In addition, these scales help repel water from the wings of Lepidoptera. In additon, both moths and butterflies go through the same four stages of the life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

This information is provided by Evan Fitzgerald, who was an intern at The Butterfly Farm in 1999. Evan graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science in May 1998. Evan can be reached at: evan@butterflyfarm.co.cr.

 

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