Differences between Butterfly and Moth

Differences between Butterfly and Moth

Butterflies and moths both belong to the insect order Lepidoptera. Taxonomically, butterflies are a clade that evolved from moths, meaning there is no strict scientific distinction that separates all moths from all butterflies. However, a number of physical and behavioral characteristics are commonly used to differentiate between the two groups. These general rules have exceptions but are reliable in most cases.

Comparison Table

Feature	Butterflies	Moths
Antennae	Thin with a club-like tip.	Varied; often feathery, comb-like, or tapering, but lacking a clubbed tip.
Wings at Rest	Typically held together vertically above the body.	Typically folded flat against the body in a tent-like fashion or held open horizontally.
Pupal Stage	Forms a chrysalis, which is an exposed, hardened exoskeleton without a silk covering.	Forms a cocoon, which is a pupa wrapped in a protective silk casing.
Body Shape	Generally have a slender, smoother abdomen.	Generally have a stout, thicker, and often hairy or furry body.
Time of Activity	Primarily diurnal (active during the day).	Primarily nocturnal (active at night), with many exceptions.
Wing Coupling	Lack a frenulum (a bristle that connects the forewing to the hindwing).	Possess a frenulum that links the wings to ensure they fly in unison.
Coloration	Often have brightly colored wings.	Typically have wings with drab or earth-toned patterns for camouflage, though many species are colorful.

Venn diagram comparing Differences between Butterfly and Moth

Exceptions to general rules

While the characteristics in the table are useful for general identification, numerous exceptions exist.

Some moths are diurnal, or active during the daytime. Brightly colored day-flying moths, such as the Cinnabar moth, Hummingbird hawk-moth, and various burnet and forester moths, are often mistaken for butterflies. Conversely, some butterflies, such as those in the skipper family, can have dull, brown coloration.

The resting posture of the wings is not always a reliable indicator. Butterflies may rest with their wings open, particularly when basking in the sun. Some moth species, like certain geometrid moths, rest with their wings held together vertically in a butterfly-like manner.

Finally, some moth families exhibit features typically associated with butterflies. For instance, Castniidae moths (sun moths) are day-flying, have brightly colored wings, and possess clubbed antennae.