What’s the difference between moths and butterflies?

Table of Contents

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Buckeye butterfly

Lepidopteran larva

moth versus butterfly

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What’s the difference between moths and butterflies?: Media

Images

Buckeye butterfly

Buckeye butterfly

A common buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia).

© Corel

Lepidopteran larva

Lepidopteran larva

Colorful caterpillar of the spurge hawk moth (Hyles euphorbiae).

© Tiberiu Sahlean/Dreamstime.com

chrysalis

chrysalis

A monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) about to emerge from its chrysalis....

© dossyl/Shutterstock.com

Interactives

moth versus butterfly

moth versus butterfly

Slider showing a cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia; left) and a common...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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