Differences between butterflies and moths 62591 221169277 2008-06-23T09:58:46Z Atomican 370065 grammar {{Unreferenced|date=May 2008}} A common classification of the [[Lepidoptera]] involves their differentiation into [[butterfly|butterflies]] and [[moth]]s. Butterflies are a natural [[monophyletic]] group, often given the sub-order '''Rhopalocera''', which includes [[Papilionoidea]] (true butterfiles), [[Hesperiidae]] (skippers), and [[Hedylidae]] (butterfly moths). In this taxonomic scheme moths belong to the sub-order '''Heterocera'''. Other taxonomic schemes have been proposed; the most common putting the butterflies into the sub-order [[Ditrysia]] and then the "super-family" [[Papilionoidea]], and ignoring a classification for moths. None of the taxonomic schemes are perfect however, and [[taxonomist]]s commonly [[The "how many angels?" question|argue over]] how to define the obvious differences between butterflies and moths. ==Morphological differences== [[Image:Kamehamehabutterfly2.jpg|thumb|180px|left|A [[Kamehameha_(butterfly)|Kamehameha butterfly]] -note the clubbed antennae and slender body]] ===Shape and structure of antennae=== The most obvious difference is in the feelers, or [[antenna (biology)|antennae]]. Most butterflies have thin slender filamentous antennae which are club shaped at the end. Moths, on the other hand, often have comb-like or feathery antennae, or filamentous and unclubbed. This distinction is the basis for the earliest taxonomic divisions in the Lepidoptera - the '''Rhopalocera''' ("clubbed horn", the butterflies) and the '''Heterocera''' ("varied horn", the moths). There are, however, exceptions to this rule and a few moths (the family [[Castniidae]]) have clubbed antennae. Some butterflies, like ''Pseudopontia paradoxa'' from the forests of central [[Africa]], lack the clubbed ends. The ''[[Hesperioidea|Hesperiids]]'' often have an angle to the tip of the antenna. ===Wing coupling mechanisms=== Many moths have a frenulum which is a filament arising from the hindwing and coupling with barbs on the forewing. The frenulum can be observed only when a specimen is in hand. Some moths have a lobe on the forewing called a jugum that helps in coupling with the hindwing. Butterflies however lack these structures. === Pupae === Most moth [[caterpillars]] spin a [[Pupa#Cocoon|cocoon]] made of silk within which they [[metamorphosis (biology)|metamorphose]] into the pupal stage. Most butterflies on the other hand form an exposed pupa which is also termed as a [[Pupa#Chrysalis|chrysalis]]. However there are many exceptions to this rule, for example the [[Hawk moth]]s form an exposed chrysalis which however is underground. [[Gypsy moth]]s sometimes form butterfly-style pupae, hanging on twigs or tree bark, although usually they create flimsy cocoons out of silk strands and a few leaves, partially exposing the chrysalis. A few Skipper butterfly larvae also make crude cocoons in which they pupate, exposing the pupa a bit. The ''[[Parnassius]]'' butterfly larvae make a flimsy cocoon for pupation and they pupate near the ground surface between debris. [[Image:Polythemusmoth.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Polyphemus moth]] - note the feathered antennae and fat furry body]] ===Colouration of the wings=== Most butterflies have bright colours on their wings. Nocturnal moths on the other hand are usually plain brown, grey, white or black and often with obscuring patterns of zigzags or swirls which help [[camouflage]] them as they rest during the day. However many day-flying moths are brightly-coloured, particularly if they are [[toxicity|toxic]]. A few butterflies are also plain-colored, like the [[Small White|Cabbage White]] butterfly. ===Structure of the body=== Moths tend to have stout and hairy or furry-looking bodies, while butterflies have slender and smoother abdomens. Moths have larger scales on their wings which makes them look more dense and fluffy. Butterflies on the other hand possess fine scales. This difference is possibly due to the need for moths to conserve heat during the cooler nights whereas butterflies are able to absorb solar radiation. ==Behavioural differences== <!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:monarchbutterflysm.jpg|thumb|140px|right|A [[Monarch butterfly]] demonstrating a common butterfly resting position{{deletable image-caption}}]] --> ===Time of activity=== Most moths are [[nocturnal]] or [[crepuscular]] while most butterflies are [[Diurnal animal|diurnal]]. There are however exceptions, including the [[Diurnal animal|diurnal]] [[Gypsy moth]] and the spectacular "[[Uraniidae]]" or Sunset moths. ===Resting posture=== [[Image:Unid_moth.jpg|thumb|left|''Tetragonus'' sp., a day-flying [[Callidulidae|Callidulid]] moth holds its wings like a butterfly but lacks the knobbed antennae]] Moths usually rest with their wings spread out to their sides. Butterflies frequently fold their wings above their backs when they are perched although they will occasionally "bask" with their wings spread for short periods. However some butterflies, like the [[skipper (butterfly)|skipper]]s, may hold their wings either flat, or folded, or even in-between (the so-called "jet plane" position) when perched. Most moths also occasionally fold their wings above their backs when they are in a certain spot (like when there is no room to fully spread their wings). A sometimes confusing family can be the "[[Geometridae]]" (such as the [[Winter moth]]) because the adults often rest with their wings folded vertically. These moths have thin bodies and large wings like many butterflies but may be distinguished easily by structural differences in their antennae (e.g. [[bipectinate]]). ==See also== * [[Papilionoidea]] * [[Hesperioidea]] [[Category:Entomology]] [[Category:Lepidoptera]] [[Category:Butterflies]] [[Category:Moths]] [[fr:Différence entre un papillon de jour et un papillon de nuit]] [[ko:나비와 나방의 구분]] [[simple:Differences between butterflies and moths]] [[tl:Pagkakaiba sa pagitan ng mga paru-paro at mga gamu-gamo]] [[es:Diferencias entre mariposas y polillas]]