A couple days ago as I stood outside the yoga studio chatting with my dear teacher Kumud, a Northern Pearly-eye (Enodia anthedon) came by to join in the conversation, landing on me. I must keep in mind what it had to say. So profound. This friendly creature, this butterfly, has a wingspan of two inches. And is colored with many shades of brown. But it is butterfly not a moth.

Here’s a closeup of its antennae. A good way to tell the difference – butterfly or moth. This is what a butterfly antenna is like. A simple “wire” with a club-like top. A moth has a feathery antennae if it is male. A female moth has antennae that are saw-toothed. Butterflies can be tiny and brown. Moths can be large and marvelously colored. Pay attention to those antennae.