Moths

Moths form a polyphyletic group (related species that do not share an immediate common ancestor) that includes all the members of the Lepidoptera order that does not include the butterflies. There are about 160000 species of moths (against 14000 of butterflies)

Differences between Moths and Butterflies:

Although there is no unique difference between them ,they are generally separated by the following characteristics

Most moths are nocturnal

The Antennae of moths tend to be either feathery or filamentous and unclubbed. Butterflies have thin filamentous antennae which terminate in a club. This formed the basis of the old classification of butterflies as Rhopalocera (clubbed horn) and moths as Heterocera (varied horn)

Many moths have an attachment mechanism (a filament known as a frenulum on the rear wing which locks with barbs on the front wing )

Many moth caterpillars spin a cocoon of silk, whilst butterflies create a hard protein shell called a chrysalis when they metamorphose

The wings of butterflies tend to be colourful, whilst most moths are dull or have cryptic patterns to hide them during the day. Day flying moths are colourful and generally toxic and use vision to find partners unlike their nocturnal cousins which use pheromones.

Moths generally have fluffy and stout bodies , and larger scales on the wings. This probably is to keep them warmer at night and possibly to interfere with bat echo location

The compound eyes of moths tend to be superposition eyes, whilst butterflies have apposition eyes . Superposition eyes collect more light at night .

Butterflies tend to rest with their wings elevated , whilst moths rest with wings spread horizontally