Differences between butterflies and moths facts for kids

The Lepidoptera are a big group of insects that includes both butterflies and moths. While butterflies are a natural group of closely related insects, moths are not. Scientists often put butterflies into a group called Rhopalocera. This group includes true butterflies, skippers, and butterfly moths.

In a system for naming living things called Linnaean taxonomy, moths are usually placed in a group called Heterocera. This name helps show that moths are not a single natural group. However, moths do look and act quite differently from butterflies. This is why people have given them different names.

Scientists and nature lovers use the clear differences between butterflies and moths to tell them apart.

How to Tell Butterflies and Moths Apart

Antennae: The Feelers

The easiest way to spot the difference is by looking at their antennae, which are like feelers. Most butterflies have thin, stick-like antennae that have a small club or knob at the end. Moths, on the other hand, often have feathery or comb-like antennae. Some moth antennae are thin but don't have a club at the end.

This difference in antennae is how scientists first divided butterflies and moths. Butterflies were called Rhopalocera (meaning "clubbed horn"), and moths were called Heterocera (meaning "varied horn").

But, there are a few exceptions! Some moths, like those in the Castniidae family, do have clubbed antennae. Also, some butterflies, like Pseudopontia paradoxa from Africa, don't have clubbed ends. Skipper butterflies often have antennae with a little hook or angle at the tip.

Wing Connections

Many moths have a special hook or bristle called a frenulum. This helps connect their front and back wings together when they fly. You can usually only see this if you hold the moth. Butterflies usually don't have this. Their wings simply overlap when they fly.

Pupae: The Resting Stage

Most moth caterpillars spin a cocoon made of silk when they change into their next stage, called a pupa. Most butterfly caterpillars, however, form an exposed pupa called a chrysalis. This chrysalis hangs freely, often from a twig.

Again, there are exceptions! Some moths, like hawk moths, form a chrysalis that is underground. Gypsy moths sometimes make pupae that look like butterfly chrysalises, hanging on trees. But usually, they make loose cocoons with silk and leaves. Some skipper butterfly larvae also make simple cocoons.

Wing Colors

Most butterflies have bright, colorful wings. Moths that are active at night are usually plain brown, grey, white, or black. They often have patterns that help them blend in with their surroundings during the day. However, many moths that fly during the day are brightly colored, especially if they are poisonous. Some butterflies, like the cabbage white, are quite plain.

Body Shape

Moths tend to have thick, hairy, or furry-looking bodies. Butterflies, on the other hand, have thinner, smoother bodies. Moths have larger scales on their wings, which makes them look more dense and fluffy. Butterflies have finer scales. This difference might be because moths need to stay warm during cooler nights, while butterflies can get warmth from the sun during the day.

How Butterflies and Moths Behave Differently

When They Are Active

Most moths are nocturnal (active at night) or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). Most butterflies are diurnal (active during the day). But there are exceptions! The gypsy moth is active during the day, as are the beautiful "Uraniidae" or Sunset moths.

How They Rest

Moths usually rest with their wings spread out flat to their sides. Butterflies often fold their wings above their backs when they are resting. However, they might spread their wings for short times to warm up in the sun. Some butterflies, like skippers, can hold their wings flat, folded, or even in a "jet plane" position. Moths also sometimes fold their wings above their backs if they don't have much space. Some moths, like the "Geometridae" (for example, the winter moth), often rest with their wings folded vertically, like butterflies. But you can tell them apart by their antennae, which are usually feathery.

Images for kids

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  A tiger longwing butterfly (Heliconius hecale) - notice the clubbed antennae and slender body.

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  Pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) - notice the feathered antennae and thick, furry body.

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  Moths typically form a cocoon.

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  Butterflies typically form a chrysalis.

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  A typical moth resting posture.

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  An alternative moth resting posture.

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  A typical butterfly resting posture.

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  Chrysiridia rhipheus (Uraniidae), the day-flying Madagascan sunset moth, has butterfly-like colors.

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  The day-flying Paysandisia archon has clubbed antennae, like other moths in the Castniidae family.

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  The male Callosamia promethea moth uses mimicry to look like the poisonous pipevine swallowtail butterfly.

See also

In Spanish: Diferencias entre mariposas diurnas y nocturnas para niños