Moth Or Butterfly?

Use these clues to confidently ID the winged creatures you find in your backyard. Here’s a hint: Look at the antennae!

- Sally Roth

Many people think that moths are the nighttime equivalent of butterflies, but it’s not quite that simple. Learn the basic differences between the two fliers so that you can positively say “moth!” or “butterfly!” when you spot one. Keep in mind, though, that most of these characteristics aren’t absolute—there are many exceptions to the rules.

One thing you can count on: Butterflies fly only during the day. But not all moths are strictly nighttime fliers. Hummingbird moths, which include several species of sphinx moths, eat nectar at flowers during the day. Others, including colorful buck moths and the Schinia species, are also seen when the sun shines.