How Are Butterflies Different from Moths?
Moths are in the same taxonomic class and order as butterflies, but they are different in a number of ways. Moths are mostly nocturnal — active at night — while butterflies like the daytime. Most (though not necessarily all) butterflies are more brightly colored than moths. A moth’s antennae are different from those of butterflies because they look like feathers, rather than a butterfly’s knobbed antennae. What Are Butterflies Like? Usually, butterflies are thought of as beautiful, quiet creatures, but they are also capable of some rather aggressive and bizarre behavior. The smaller the butterfly, the more aggressive it is likely to be! One of the smallest and most common species, the American copper butterfly, will attack anything that invades its territory, whether it is a dog, a cat, a Frisbee, or a grasshopper. (Of course, because butterflies are so small and (to us) fragile, we don’t perceive this behavior as an attack.) The Minor’s swallowtail males will beat each other up, oft
