I keep reading about moths having drab colors and butterflies having bright colors. Don’t depend on that to decide which you are looking at. There are brightly colored moths. And there butterflies that have dull colors. I also see it being said that moths are small and butterflies are large. That can’t be depended on either. There are very large moths and very small butterflies. Another point I often read: moths are nocturnal and butterflies are diurnal. But in reality there are butterflies that are nocturnal and there are also moths that are diurnal.
One thing you can depend on in looking to see if you’re seeing a moth or a butterfly is their antennae. Male moths have feathery antennae while female moths have sawtoothed antennae.
A butterfly’s antennae are long shafts with club-like bulbs at the ends. A moth’s antennae, whether a male or female, do not have those bulbs on the ends.
4 responses to “A Difference Between Moths and Butterflies”
Wow, that antennae thing is pretty amazing, IF you can get close enough to see them. ha ha Thanks for all the educating you’ve done!
LaVonne,
Always great to hear from you! Yes those antennae are pretty cool! I love, in particular the feathery moth antennae!
Thanks bunches for reading my posts.
Bren
Brenda, what helpful photos! I cannot imagine how you could capture the distinction in their antennae, but you have done so with great clarity and now I know how to distinguish the difference between moths and butterflies. I can’t wait try try our my newly learned knowledge on the next opportunity.
Oh Doriene! I’m so glad I had these pictures to show you! So glad that you were in class and able to ask me about the difference between butterflies and moths!
Thank you so much for signing up to get my blog!
Bren