What's the difference between a butterfly and a moth?

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a butterfly and a moth is to look at the antennae. ... A moth's antennae are feathery or saw-edged. Butterflies and moths have many things in common, mainly scales that cover their bodies and wings. These scales are actually modified hairs. read more

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a butterfly and a moth is to look at the antennae. A butterfly’s antennae are club-shaped with a long shaft and a bulb at the end. A moth’s antennae are feathery or saw-edged. There are many more species of moths than butterflies. read more

Moths are stout and fuzzy; butterflies are slender and smooth. And wing colorations between the insect types are generally polar opposites, with butterflies sporting more vibrant colors. Additionally, moth wings, unlike butterfly wings, have a structure called a frenulum, which joins the forewing to the hind wing. read more

Learn the 6 physical or behavioral traits that will help you tell the difference between butterflies and moths. read more