Moths vs. Butterflies: How To Spot the Difference
Last week was moth week at the Natural History Museum in preparation for their upcoming BugFest on Aug. 12. How can you spot the difference between moths and butterflies? Here are some things to look out for.
Antennae
- Moths have antennae that are saw-edged or feathery.
- Butterflies have long, club-shaped antennae with a bulb at the end.
Wings
- Moths tend to hold their wings in a tent-like way over their abdomen.
- Butterflies tend to hold their wings up vertically while resting.
Pupa (Stage Between Larva & Adult)
- Moths have cocoons that are wrapped in silk.
- Butterflies have a chrysalis which is hard and smooth.
Fun Facts
- Moths are faster, fluffier, and have about 14 times more species than butterflies.
- A common misconception is that butterflies are more colorful and moths are dull, but there are many species of dark-colored butterflies and bright moths.
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