Butterflies, skippers and moths all belong in the insect order Lepidoptera. However, there are some overall rules that can be used to tell a moth from a butterfly or skipper.
Butterflies and skippers are groups of specialised moths which in general are day flying, have clubbed antennae, no frenulum, and are often brightly coloured. But there are many moths which also share these characteristics.
- sources: Australian Museum; butterflies conservation
Here are several differences between butterflies and moths….
- Butterflies are active during the day (diurnal), while most moths are active at night (nocturnal). Moths often use moonlight to navigate, which is why they may become confused by outdoor lights.
- Butterfly antennae are long and either knobby on the end or else straight. Moth antennae tend to be short and feathery.
- Butterflies rest with their wings folded upright above their bodies. Moths rest with wings open alongside their bodies.
- Butterflies and moths have different wing structures. In moths, the fore wing and hind wing on each side are connected by a joint called a frenulum. In contrast, butterflies have four unconnected wings.
- Butterflies have thin bodies, while moths have thicker bodies.
- Most butterflies are colorful, while most moths display duller, earthy hues. There are dramatic exceptions. Some butterflies are brown or have transparent wings, while some moths show vivid colors. Butterfly wings aren’t actually colored, but the tiny scales on the wings scatter light, making them appear colored. Moth wings also scatter light, but may contain some pigment molecules, too.
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