What is the difference between Moths and Butterflies?

To be able to differentiate between moths and butterflies which belong to the same order “Lepidoptera,” taxonomists have classified butterflies under the sub-order “Rhopalocera,” while moths are classified under the sub-order “Heterocera.” The two flies undergo the same stages of growth; from larva to pupa, and metamorphosed into an adult butterfly or moth. These two insects, though looking similar, have several differences. One; moths have thick feathery antennae, while butterflies have thin antennae, and they are round at the tip end.

Two; moths have a kind of dark colored wings, while butterflies have bright colored wings. Moths also have additional wing structure, the thin strand that connects the forewing and hindwing. This structure is called the frenulum. Butterflies rest at nighttime, and they are active during the day, while moths rest at daytime, but they are active at night. The moths’ dark wings serve as a protector, as it helps them to camouflage from predators at night. Moths have a stout and hairy body parts; while butterflies have smooth abdominal and thin thoraxes body structure.