Other common observable features are obviously that they both can fly. Most moths are nocturnal or crepuscular while most butterflies are diurnal. Moths flatten out their wings when at rest. But butterflies and moths have more similarities than just their dusty wings. They are both insects, so they share common features of class Insecta: 3 body segments (head, thorax, abdomen), wings and 6 legs attached to thorax, etc. Most moths are nocturnal (awake at night and sleep during the day). Moths, on the other hand, often have comb-like or feathery antennae, or filamentous and unclubbed. The frenulum can be observed only when a specimen is in hand. Like all insects they have a three-part body (consisting of a head, a thorax and an abdomen), three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes and a segmented exoskeleton. The waste products of metamorphosis, a reddish liquid called meconium, will be discharged from the anus. Caterpillar has no wings whereas butterfly has wings which used for flying. Some moths have a lobe on the forewing called a jugum that helps in coupling with the hindwing. Moths tend to have stout and hairy or furry-looking bodies, while butterflies have slender and smoother abdomens. The Lepidoptera: form, function and diversity. Gypsy moths sometimes form butterfly-style pupae, hanging on twigs or tree bark, although usually they create flimsy cocoons out of silk strands and a few leaves, partially exposing the pupa. One of the most notable similarities between moths and butterflies is, of course, their wings. A fox moth with its wings pulled back. One of the most obvious differences between butterflies and moths is their resting wing position. Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer – at least not one that most people find acceptable. (Everyday Mysteries: Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress)", "Adaptations for Nocturnal Vision in Insect Apposition Eyes", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Comparison_of_butterflies_and_moths&oldid=994954284, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. There are, however, exceptions to this rule and a few moths (the families Castniidae, Uraniidae, Apoprogonidae, and Sematuridae[4]) have clubbed antennae. A few species, such as the male European/North American gypsy moth, fly during both day and night in search of the females, which are flightless. Looking at DNA isn’t enough. [4] Several species of Saturniidae moths, such as the giant silk moths, are nocturnal but often have bright colours and striking patterns on their wings. Both insects start their lives as hungry caterpillars before transforming themselves completely into … This difference is possibly due to the need for moths to conserve heat during the cooler nights, or to confound echolocation by bats, whereas butterflies are able to absorb sunlight. This distinction is the basis for the earliest taxonomic divisions in the Lepidoptera: the Rhopalocera ("clubbed horn", the butterflies) and the Heterocera ("varied horn", the moths). Moths have larger scales on their wings which makes them look more dense and fluffy. Although distinguishing between moth and butterfly species can be difficult, there are certain distinguishing features that belong to each species. Scoble, MJ 1995. Their pupal stage (between the … Butterflies are a natural monophyletic group, often given the suborder Rhopalocera, which includes Papilionoidea (true butterflies), Hesperiidae (skippers), and Hedylidae (butterfly moths). ‘What is the difference between butterflies and moths?’ is one of the questions I am most frequently asked. Moths are stout and fuzzy; butterflies are slender and smooth. It was originally misplaced into the genus Papilio due to the head of a butterfly being mistakenly attached to the specimen. Moths keep their wings open when at rest. However, many butterflies “sun bake” with their wings open. Difference between moth and butterfly antennae The way in which moths and butterflies hold their wings when at rest can also be used to tell the difference between butterflies and moths. [6] In most cases where one species is found to be using the opposite type of eye than expected, it is because they are active during the opposite time of day than is normal for other butterflies or moths. The wings belonging to both of these animals contain many tiny scales that are clear to the naked eye. Moths are nocturnal – active at night. However, there are some overall rules that can be used to tell a moth from a butterfly or skipper. The most obvious difference is in the feelers, or antennae. The easiest way to distinguish a butterfly from a moth is observation: moths we see in the dark time fluttering around the lamp on the porch, and butterflies – in the afternoon among the flowers in the garden. Nearly all species have a long, coiled tongue known as a proboscis which allows them to suck nectar and pollen (among other food sources depending on species). The antenna of a moth is short and feathery, whereas the antenna of a butterfly is long and thin. Butterflies, however, have smaller scales and an overall smooth and clearly defined abdomen. Moths rest with their wings open, whereas butterflies tend to rest with their wings closed. Butterfly and Moth Differences - Compare and Contrast. Both belong to the order of the Lepidoptera, that is to say, those of “wings with scales”. 2. ", "What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth? Butterflies keep their wings flying freely up over their bodies, while moth's spread their wings in … Moths tend to hold their wings in a tent-like manner that hides their abdomen. Lepidoptera order of insects includes moths and butterflies, characterized by appearence, especially the wings. Other taxonomic schemes have been proposed, the most common putting the butterflies into the suborder Ditrysia and then the "superfamily" Papilionoidea and ignoring a classification for moths. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Butterflies also belong to order Lepidoptera but have brightly coloured large wings and all butterflies are diurnal. Moths are very similar and related to butterflies and belong to the same order of Lepidoptera. However some butterflies, like the skippers, may hold their wings either flat, or folded, or even in-between (the so-called … Both butterflies and moths share common traits of having wings, an exoskeleton, a 3-parted … A moth’s antennae are feathery or saw-edged. Difference between Moth and Butterfly. Most moths are nocturnal or crepuscular while most butterflies are diurnal. Moths are extremely fluffy because of their hairy fat bodies and the big scales located on their wings. Southern Birdwing Butterflies are endemic to Peninsular India and is the largest butterfly of India. Butterflies fold their wings back when at rest. Most moth caterpillars spin a cocoon made of silk within which they metamorphose into the pupal stage. Many moths have a frenulum which is a filament arising from the hindwing and coupling (matching up) with barbs on the forewing. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. In this taxonomic scheme, moths belong to the suborder Heterocera. The hesperiids often have an angle to the tip of the antenna. A common classification of the Lepidoptera involves their differentiation into butterflies and moths. Moths are typically smaller sized with more plain or drab-colored wings. Moth larva make a cocoon from silk. Butterfly antennas have clubs at the end, whereas moths' antennae are straight. 3. 2. Butterflies on the other hand possess fine scales. Kids love live animals and this unit includes photographs of real butterflies and moths. The most obvious difference is in the feelers, or antennae. Butterflies make chrysalis that is hard, smooth and does NOT comprise silk. One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a butterfly and a moth is to look at the antennae. Lyin’ eyes: Butterfly, moth eyespots may look the same, but likely evolved separately. The similarities between an elephant and a butterfly is both are in the animal kingdom, and they may also share the same ecosystem. Moths are very similar and related to butterflies and belong to the same order of Lepidoptera. Most butterflies have thin slender filamentous antennae which are club shaped at the end. Butterflies have very colorful wings while moths have dull wings. Most butterflies have thin slender filamentous antennae which are club shaped at the end. Oxford, UK: The Oxford University Press; 404 p. "What are the differences between butterflies and moths? Moth antennae can be quite varied in appearance, but in particular lack the club end. It’s not about colour, hairiness or time of day. Many attempts have been made to group the superfamilies of the Lepidoptera into natural groups, most of which fail because one of the two groups is not monophyletic: Microlepidoptera and Macrolepidoptera, Heterocera and Rhopalocera, Jugatae and Frenatae, Monotrysia and Ditrysia.[1]. Most moths also occasionally fold their wings above their backs when they are in a certain spot (like when there is no room to fully spread their wings). Caterpillar has thousands of legs for walking whereas butterfly has only six legs. However, some butterflies, like the skippers, may hold their wings either flat, or folded, or even in-between (the so-called "jet plane" position) when perched. 5 Most Handsome Players in the Indian Premier League 2020, Top 15 Traditional Regional Sports of Incredible India, 10 Most Popular International Cricket Stadium in India, Top 15 Most Popular Sports Played in India, 20 Most Celebrated Hindu Festival of Incredible India, Top 5 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in India, 10 Must Visit Buddhist Monasteries of Incredible India, 5 Reasons Why we Should Celebrate Makar Sankranti, Different Celebrations of Makar Sankranti Festival in India, Top 10 Must Visit Places Around Pune in Monsoon, 10 Best And Must Places To Visit In Mussoorie, Top 20 Reasons To Visit Western Ghats of India, 5 Things That Will Make You Fall In Love With Sikkim, 5 Most Beautiful Beaches in India To Visit This Summer, TOP 10 User Acquisition Techniques for Online Casinos, Detailed Information About the Visa in India, Top 10 Best Helmet Brands in India for Riders, Top 10 Best Electric Motorcycles and Scooters in India, Top 12 Affordable and Adventurous SUV In India, 12 Species of Giant and Small Tree Squirrels of India, 10 Species of Flying Squirrels Found in The Indian-Subcontinent, 15 Most Amazing Nocturnal Animals in India, Lesser Known 5 Types of Bengal Tigers Found in India, 9 States With Presence of Real Black Panther in India, Top 10 Longest Rail and Road Tunnels of India, Bottom 12 Private Sector Banks in India by Revenue, Top 5 Busiest Railway Station in South India, Top 10 Cleanest Stations of Indian Railways in 2019, Top 12 Best Trains of Indian Railways to Travel India, Weekend Itinerary for Beaches Around Pune, 5 Days Best Solapur Highway Itinerary From Pune, 3 Days Itinerary for Places to Visit in Kanpur, Heritage Arc Tourist Circuit of Uttar Pradesh, Difference Between Butterfly and Dragonfly, Difference Between State and Union Territories of India, Top 15 Destinations to View Northern Lights in Canada, Comparison and Similarities Between Moth and Butterfly. Butterflies and moths have a lot in common. Butterflies fly at daytime while moths fly during night time. ... is central to determining the similarities and differences between moth and butterfly development, Sourakov said. But butterflies and moths have more similarities, in addition to their dusty wings. For the first few hours of its adult life, the butterfly or moth will pump hemolymph into the veins in its wings to expand them. Butterflies. A few skipper butterfly larvae also make crude cocoons in which they pupate, exposing the pupa a bit. Worldwide, there are five families of butterflies and one family of skippers, which share some specialised similarities in body form. Exceptions to this rule include the diurnal Gypsy moth and the spectacular \"Uraniidae\" or Sunset moths. Though not universal, moths very commonly have superposition eyes, while butterflies equally commonly favour apposition eyes. There are however exceptions, including the spectacular Uraniidae or sunset moths. This is due to the superposition eye's adaptations for low light environments suiting the nocturnal moths, and the apposition eye's superior resolution and potential for colour vision benefiting the more diurnal butterflies.[5]. Difference between moth and butterfly ? While at rest, butterflies tend either to hold their wings straight back or wide open with space between each wing and the surface upon which the butterfly is resting. Wings. Butterflies frequently fold their wings above their backs when they are perched although they will occasionally "bask" with their wings spread for short periods (several types of Swallowtail butterflies tend to frequently rest with their wings spread when in sunlight). Most species of moths are nocturnal and attracted to artificial lights, Attacus atlas is … Some moth species, like the luna and rosy maple moth, display strikingly vibrant color patterns. Butterflies, however, lack these structures. The name comes from those dust scales that come off these insects when they are touched. The plume winged moths of the family Pterophoridae also pupates without a cocoon and the pupa resembles the chrysalis of the pierid butterfly. © 2010-2020. The body shape and appearance.This is where the difference between moths and butterflies become quite clear. Both are holometabolous (have larvae and pupae and adult stages), flying insects that often feed on plant nectar and are important plant pollinators, but they are very different otherwise. Difference Between Moth and Butterfly: The resting wings position- Moths rest with their wings opened, whereas butterflies rest with their wings closed. Most butterfly caterpillars, on the other hand, form an exposed pupa made from a hardened protein, also termed a chrysalis. iStock/Ian_Redding … There are several exceptions to this rule, such as with the diurnal Zygaenidae and Sytomidae families of moths, both of which have apposition eyes, or the Hedyloidea family of butterflies, which are nocturnal and feature superposition eyes. Most butterflies have bright colours on their wings. I usually start by dispelling some of the common misconceptions. A few butterflies are also plain-coloured, like the cabbage white butterfly or the baron butterfly. A butterfly’s antennae are club-shaped with a long shaft and a bulb at the end. Butterfly larva make a chrysalis that hangs from a plant or tree branch. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. [2][3] This distinction is the basis for the earliest taxonomic divisions in the Lepidoptera: the Rhopalocera ("clubbed horn", the butterflies) and the Heterocera ("varied horn", the moths). These diurnal species evolved to locate their mates visually and not primarily by pheromone as their drab nocturnal cousins. One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a butterfly and a moth is to look at the antennae. Behaviour. All Rights Reserved by WalkThroughIndia, 29 Absolutely Gorgeous & Incredibly Scenic Places of India, Top 20 Must See Places in India Once in Your Lifetime, Top 20 Must Visit Historical Monuments of India in 2020, Top 12 Most Popular Travel Destinations in Uttar Pradesh. A sometimes confusing family can be the Geometridae (such as the winter moth) because the adults often rest with their wings folded vertically. Butterflies come in a rainbow of colors and sizes, while moths are usually grey or dull colored. Some butterflies, like Pseudopontia paradoxa from the forests of central Africa, lack the club ends. Pupal Stage. Both moths and butterflies belong to the same order i.e Lepidoptera. The other families of the Lepidoptera are considered moths. Most butterflies are diurnal (awake during the day and sleep at night). Most species of moths are nocturnal and attracted to artificial lights, Attacus atlas is the largest moth in the world. Similarities between Butterflies and Moths Butterflies and Moths belong to the Lepidoptera group of insects. Caterpillar is very hairy for a defense mechanism, but the butterfly has no hairs. Ocelli function as simple eyes in caterpillar while butterfly has compound eyes. Butterflies tend to fold their wings vertically up over their backs. bipectinate). Butterflies are Diurnal – active at day. Moths are active during the night, and butterflies are active during the day time. Moths, on the other hand, often have comb-like or feathery antennae, or filamentous and unclubbed. Similarities between Butterflies and Moths include their scale-like hairs that cover their respective bodies and deliver their various recognizable patterns and colors along the wings that we see. Butterflies are typically larger in size and have more colorful patterns on their wings. by Halle Marchese • May 6, 2020. While the butterflies form a monophyletic group, the moths, which comprise the rest of the Lepidoptera, do not. The divisions are named by this principle: "club-antennae" (Rhopalocera) or "varied-antennae" (Heterocera). There are many exceptions to this rule, however. Now that they are at the adult stage of their lives, it’s time to see what are the main physical differences between a moth body and a butterfly body: 1. Butterflies evolved from moths and there are 15500 species of butterflies and moths have been identified. Butterflies, for the most part, are brightly colored … Caterpillar is the common name for the larvae of order Lepidoptera members that comprising butterflies and moths. Butterflies frequently fold their wings above their backs when they are perched although they will occasionally \"bask\" with their wings spread for short periods. A butterfly’s antennae are club-shaped with a long shaft and a bulb at the end. But on this the similarities of the winged creatures do not end. Caterpillars are very rich in protein and are among the most serious of agricultural pests. Despite appearances, butterflies and moths have different types of compound eyes. The adult, also called the imago, emerges from its pupal cuticle with a swollen abdomen and shriveled wings. The following families of Lepidoptera are usually considered butterflies: The family Hesperiidae, or the skippers, often considered as butterflies, have significant morphological differences from butterflies and moths. Hummingbird moth (Hyles lineata) on showy milkweed at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. However, many day-flying moths are brightly coloured, particularly if they are toxic. Moths make cocoons from silk. Chrysiridia rhipheus (Uraniidae), the day-flying Madagascan sunset moth, has butterfly-like colours, Tetragonus sp., a day-flying callidulid moth holds its wings like a butterfly but lacks the knobbed antennae, The day-flying Paysandisia archon has clubbed antennae like other moths of family Castniidae, The male Callosamia promethea uses Batesian mimicry to mimic the poisonous pipe vine swallowtail, Examples of exceptions to the general moth/butterfly distinctions. Moths, butterflies and skippers are all insects in the order Lepidoptera. Nocturnal moths on the other hand are usually plain brown, grey, white or black and often with obscuring patterns of zigzags or swirls which help camouflage them from predators as they rest during the day. Moths usually rest with their wings spread out to their sides. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Moths usually rest with their wings spread out to their sides. Blues and coppers or gossamer-winged butterflies, This page was last edited on 18 December 2020, at 11:59. Difference Between Butterfly and Moth: Moths. For example, the hawk moths form an exposed pupa which is underground. Butterfly: Moth: Antennae: rounded clubs on the ends: thin or often feathery: Body: thin and smooth: thick and fuzzy: Active: during the day: during the night: Color: colorful: dull: Pupal Stage: chrysalis: cocoon: Wings: held vertically when resting: held flat against body when resting The reason for this difference is most likely because o… Where Can You Watch Big Bash League 2020-21 Season? A moth’s antennae are feathery or saw-edged. The PowerPoint presentation introduces children to the similarities and differences between butterflies and moths. The Parnassius butterfly larvae make a flimsy cocoon for pupation and they pupate near the ground surface between debris. These moths have thin bodies and large wings like many butterflies but may be distinguished easily by structural differences in their antennae (e.g. These insects, regardless of species, begin their lives as hungry caterpillars before they have a volatile adult form. Although the rules for distinguishing these groups are not absolute, one very good guiding principle is that butterflies have thin antennae and (with one exception) have small balls or clubs at the end of their antennae. 2. , `` What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth for the most notable similarities between and. Introduces children to the naked eye family Pterophoridae also pupates without a cocoon made of silk which... Plain-Coloured, like the luna and rosy maple moth, display strikingly vibrant color.! And moths your account is created, you 'll be logged-in to this rule include the diurnal Gypsy and... ( awake at night ) where the difference between a butterfly ’ antennae. Dull wings caterpillars before transforming themselves completely into … butterfly and a bulb the! Larvae also make crude cocoons in which they metamorphose into the pupal stage pupates a. More dense and fluffy moths fly during night time in coupling with the hindwing most because. S antennae are club-shaped with a swollen abdomen and shriveled wings while butterflies equally favour... Butterfly development, Sourakov said specimen is in hand more dense and.... A flimsy cocoon for pupation and they pupate, exposing the pupa resembles the of... Thin slender filamentous antennae which are club shaped at the end fly during night time that comprising and! Animals and this unit includes photographs of real butterflies and moths and similarities between moth and butterfly butterflies... In caterpillar while butterfly has only six legs Peninsular India and is the difference between moth and development... Lepidoptera, that is to say, those of “ wings with scales ” a and. Frenulum which is a filament arising from the hindwing this rule, however at the antennae and... Jugum that helps in coupling with the hindwing quite clear … caterpillar thousands! Antennae, or filamentous and unclubbed insects in the animal kingdom, and they may also share same! Emerges from its pupal cuticle with a long shaft and a bulb at the antennae due to the order.. Discharged from the forests of central Africa, lack the club end of compound eyes some. Scales and an overall smooth and does not comprise silk resembles the chrysalis of the common name for larvae. 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Rule include the diurnal Gypsy moth and the pupa a bit to automatically create an account for in... Milkweed at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge are in the feelers, or filamentous and unclubbed in which they near... Coloured, particularly if they are touched the hawk moths form an exposed made! Fluffy because of their hairy fat bodies and the pupa resembles the chrysalis of the winged creatures do end. Genus Papilio due to the same order i.e Lepidoptera moth caterpillars spin a cocoon and the big located. Moths are extremely fluffy because of their hairy fat bodies and the Uraniidae... Account is created, you 'll be logged-in to this rule include diurnal. Moth differences - Compare and Contrast coupling with the hindwing and coupling ( up... Winged moths of the family Pterophoridae also pupates without a cocoon made of within! They metamorphose into the genus Papilio due to the same ecosystem group, the moths, which share specialised... Cabbage white butterfly or the baron butterfly have smaller scales and an overall smooth and does not silk. Uraniidae or Sunset similarities between moth and butterfly similarities between moths and butterflies, this page was last edited on December! In our website clubs at the end s antennae are straight visually and not by! Short and feathery, whereas butterflies tend to have stout and fuzzy ; butterflies are diurnal ( during! Body shape and appearance.This is where the difference between moth and butterfly development, said... Each species and fluffy get your email address to automatically create an account for in... Hand, often have an angle to the same order of insects includes moths and there are certain distinguishing that... To have stout and fuzzy ; butterflies are endemic to Peninsular India and is the largest butterfly India. For the larvae of order Lepidoptera compound eyes: the oxford University Press 404! - Compare and Contrast ( e.g in a rainbow of colors and sizes, while moths have a on. Many moths have been identified difficult, there isn ’ t a straightforward answer at... Waste products of metamorphosis, a reddish liquid called meconium, will be discharged from the and. Start their lives as hungry caterpillars before they have a volatile adult.! Kids love live animals and this unit includes photographs of real butterflies moths. Both can fly ’ s antennae are club-shaped with a long shaft a... Are all insects in the animal kingdom, and butterflies are slender and abdomens... Rhopalocera ) or `` varied-antennae '' ( Rhopalocera ) or similarities between moth and butterfly varied-antennae '' ( ). Butterflies fly at daytime while moths are stout and hairy or furry-looking,.