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FAQ #752

What are some of the differences between a butterfly and a moth?

Related resource areas: Gardens, Lawns & Landscapes


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Perhaps the easiest method is to look at the insect's antennae. Butterflies usually have clubbed antennae, whereas moths have fuzzy antennae; in fact, a moth's entire body may be fuzzy. Another useful characteristic for identification is behavior. Moths are generally active at night, and butterflies are usually active during daylight hours. Finally, butterflies are generally more colorful than moths. However, there are exceptions to all these rules. For example, the hummingbird moth is somewhat colorful, and it can be seen feeding on flowers during the daylight hours.

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