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BUTTERFLY OR MOTH?
There is often confusion as to what makes a specimen a butterfly or a moth.
In truth the defining criteria is a little nebulous with no singular defining factor available.
There are many pointers though that can indicate which is which and the list
below hopefully will help clarify the distinguishing features.
* Butterflies are diurnal but most moths are nocturnal
* The antennae of butterflies are clubbed or thickened towards the end
whereas most moths have simple or feathery antennae
* Butterfly pupa is formed in an exposed situation whereas many moths form a cocoon
* Many moths have stout hairy bodies but butterflies are more slender
* Butterflies have feeding mouth parts but some moths lack these altogether
* Lots of moths are dull coloured but most butterflies have brightly coloured wings
* Watch them when they are resting. Most butterflies rest with their wings held
together above their back, while the majority of moths rest with their wings folded flat.
* Generally moths have larger scales on their wings than butterflies so as to retain warmth.
The smaller scales on the butterfly's wings help with heat absorption.
* Most moths have a barbed bristle on the hindwing (frenulum) that engages with a
hook on the forewing (jugum) joining both wings in flight. Most butterflies lack these structures.
* Many moths have fully developed forelegs whilst some butterflies have reduced forelegs
* Most butterflies have a proboscis, which is a bit like a coiled up drinking straw.
This is used for feeding on nectar. Most moths do all their feeding in the caterpillar
stage of life, so have no use for one.
REMEMBER - none of the above are holistically defining characteristics as there are always exceptions to each rule.
There is often confusion as to what makes a specimen a butterfly or a moth.
In truth the defining criteria is a little nebulous with no singular defining factor available.
There are many pointers though that can indicate which is which and the list
below hopefully will help clarify the distinguishing features.
* Butterflies are diurnal but most moths are nocturnal
* The antennae of butterflies are clubbed or thickened towards the end
whereas most moths have simple or feathery antennae
* Butterfly pupa is formed in an exposed situation whereas many moths form a cocoon
* Many moths have stout hairy bodies but butterflies are more slender
* Butterflies have feeding mouth parts but some moths lack these altogether
* Lots of moths are dull coloured but most butterflies have brightly coloured wings
* Watch them when they are resting. Most butterflies rest with their wings held
together above their back, while the majority of moths rest with their wings folded flat.
* Generally moths have larger scales on their wings than butterflies so as to retain warmth.
The smaller scales on the butterfly's wings help with heat absorption.
* Most moths have a barbed bristle on the hindwing (frenulum) that engages with a
hook on the forewing (jugum) joining both wings in flight. Most butterflies lack these structures.
* Many moths have fully developed forelegs whilst some butterflies have reduced forelegs
* Most butterflies have a proboscis, which is a bit like a coiled up drinking straw.
This is used for feeding on nectar. Most moths do all their feeding in the caterpillar
stage of life, so have no use for one.
REMEMBER - none of the above are holistically defining characteristics as there are always exceptions to each rule.
