What are some of the differences between a moth and a butterfly?
Taxonomists commonly argue over how to define the obvious differences between butterflies and moths. However here are some of the main differences. The most obvious difference is in the feelers (or “antennae”). Butterflies tend to have thin, smooth antennae which are club-shaped at the end. Moths often have feathery antennae which are not club-shaped at the end. The transformation stage differs as well . Most moth caterpillars spin a soft cocoon made of silk whereas butterflies form a hard (or semi-hard) chrysalis. Generally butterflies are brightly coloured and moths are fairly dull in appearance. This is not a reliable guide however, as there are brightly coloured moths (eg. the Madagascan sunset moth) and there are dull appearing butterflies (eg. the Small White butterfly).
