STANDARD 1- SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS
What are the differences between butterflies and moths?
Colouration, active times, antennae, position at rest and body shape.
What are the similarities between butterflies and moths?
Scales on wings, mouth parts and number of wings.
Butterflies V. Moths: Differences
Coloration
Typically, butterflies are brightly coloured. Many have spots, stripes, or a pattern of many colours.
Typically, moths are dull in colour. However, some moths are brightly coloured and have eye-spots.
Active Times
Butterflies are typically active during the day.
Moths are typically active at night.
Antennae
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).
Position 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 their wings in one of three ways:
1. to the side like an airplane,
2. folded over the body,
3. wrapped around the body.
Body Shape
Butterflies are typically slender and smooth.
Moths are typically plump and fuzzy.
Butterflies V. Moths: Similarities
Scales on Wings
Both butterflies and moths belong to the scientific family of Lepidoptera meaning “scaled-wings” in
Greek.
Mouth Parts
Both butterflies and moths have a long, tube-like mouthpart called a proboscis. When not in use, the
proboscis forms a coil.
Number of Wings
Both butterflies and moths have 2 pairs of wings, 4 wings in total.
Friday
Refer to the notes given, fill in the table below:
14th March 2014
Differences between Butterflies and Moths
Insect
Antennae
Body
Active
Colour
Pupal Stage
Wings
Prepared by: Pn Mae
Butterfly
Moth