Butterflies and Moths

Black Swallowtail Luna Moth

What are the differences between butterflies and moths?

LOTS!: Coloration, Active times, Antennae, Position at Rest, Body Shape

What are the similarities between butterflies and moths?

Some!: Scales on wings, mouth parts, number of wings.

Butterflies v. Moths: DifferencesColoration

Typically, butterflies are brightly colored. Many have spots, stripes, or a pattern of many colors.

Typically, moths are drab in color. However, some moths

are brightly colored and haveeye-spots.

Anise Swallowtail

Miller Moth family

Butterflies v. Moths: DifferencesActive Times

Butterflies are typically active during the day.

Moths are typically active at night.

Butterflies v. Moths: DifferencesAntennae

Butterflies usually have long, slender antennae with a “ball” or “club” at the end.

Moths antennae range in shape from simple (long and skinny) to elaborate (feather-like).

Butterflies v. Moths: DifferencesPosition at Rest

At rest, butterflies usually hold their wings held together over their body. The exception is when they are basking in the sun.

At rest, moths usually hold theirwings in one of three ways: 1. to the side like an airplane, 2. folded over the body, 3.wrapped around the body.

Butterflies v. Moths: DifferencesBody Shape

Butterflies are typically slender and smooth.

Moths are typically plump and fuzzy.

Variegated Fritillary

Blinded Sphinx

Butterflies v. Moths: SimilaritiesScales on Wings

Both butterflies and moths belong to the scientific family of Lepidoptera meaning “scaled-wings” in Greek.

Butterflies v. Moths: SimilaritiesMouth Parts

Both butterflies and moths have a long, tube-like mouthpart called a proboscis. When not in use, the proboscis forms a coil.

Butterflies v. Moths: SimilaritiesNumber of Wings

Common Buckeye

1

3

2

4

Common Butterflies

of Nebraska

Tiger Swallowtail

Black Swallowtail

Great Spangled Fritillary

Monarch

Viceroy

Red Admiral

Painted Lady

Red-Spotted Purple

Mourning Cloak

Zebra Swallowtail

Cabbage White

Clouded Sulphur

Cloudless Sulphur

Broad-winged Skipper

Common Moths

of Nebraska

Snowberry Clearwing

Hummingbird Clearwing

Big Poplar Sphinx

White-lined Sphinx

Vine Sphinx

Cecropia Silkmoth

Io Moth

Luna Moth

Imperial Moth

The End!