In the animal world we find a wide diversity of species, many with very dissimilar characteristics and behaviors even within close groups. However, there are also animals that are classified differently, but have very similar traits, so much so that in certain cases it is not so easy to differentiate them properly. An example of this we have in winged insects called butterflies and moths, which we usually confuse, but are grouped differently.
If you want to know what is the difference between a butterfly and a moth, keep reading this article on our site.
Are a butterfly and a moth the same thing?
Traditionally, butterflies and moths, despite having various common characteristics, have been differentiated based on anatomical and behavioral aspects, for which they are considered as groups different However, as we will see later, some of these criteria are not absolute because in certain cases there are moths that can have similar traits and habits to butterflies.
Despite the above, a recently published study[1], states that they can be certain that butterflies are moths diurnal, making this change of habit at a time of its development in ecosystems. The study refers to the existence of a common ancestor of butterflies and moths, which corresponded to a small species that lived in the late Carboniferous, which was characterized by the adults had mandibles and the larvae ate inside the non-vascular land plants of the day.
The aforementioned publication also indicates that for a time the hypothesis was raised in relation to the change in habit of butterflies from nocturnal to diurnal due to the pressure exerted by bats as predators, however, this was has ruled out, since these insects diversified before the arrival of the aforementioned flying mammals. It is now suggested that the butterflies probably changed to diurnal to take advantage of the nectar of flowering plants that they could only obtain during the day. The above allows us to point out that butterflies evolved from moths
Butterfly and moth classification
Butterflies and moths share the same classification to some extent, which corresponds as follows:
- Animalia Kingdom
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
Additionally, in the order Lepidoptera, about 160 000 species have been found, of which more than80% correspond to moths or moths, so despite the attractiveness of diurnal butterflies, the former are by far much more abundant.
From the taxonomic point of view, after the order level, superfamily, subfamily, family, tribe, genus, subgenus and species are considered to group these insects, but due to their size the classification here it is not definitive and there are regroupings that are made over time.
Also, in order to facilitate certain studies and in an attempt to establish some differences within the Lepidoptera group, certain "artificial" classifications have been established Thus, for example, depending on the size, reference is made to micro and macro Lepidoptera, in addition, in attention to the antennae, a trait in which butterflies and moths are differentiated, they are identified as Rhopalocera (club antennae) to the former and Heterocera (varied antennas) to the second.
Differences between butterfly and moth
Over time, certain criteria have been established to establish differences between butterflies and moths, let's find out what they are:
Antennas
This has been one of the main features that differentiate these insects, since in the butterflies these structures s They are thin and the ends end with clubs , balls or clubs. In the case of the moths , the antennae are very varied within the different groups, and can be thread-like, feathery or comb-shaped, butThey lack the bumps that butterflies have.
Habits
Another aspect that has separated a butterfly from a moth is its habits. Butterflies are usually active during the day and moths at night or twilight. However, this is not an absolute criterion, because in certain species this condition is broken. For example, the dusk moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus) and the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) are active during the day.
Colors
As for colors, butterflies display various shades and striking patterns, while moths tend to have less attractive colorations and more monochromatic type. This trait also has its exceptions, some cases being the kite moth (Argema mittrei), which has beautiful hues, and the twin-spotted sphinx moth (Smerinthus jamaicensis).
Appearance
Usually, butterflies appear more delicate and fragile than moths, which generally have bodies more robust and strong.
Hearing organs
The moths have a high rate of predation by bats, so they have developed through their hearing organs theability to hear the ultrasonic sounds emitted by these flying mammals in order to escape and avoid being eaten; although butterflies also have these organs, they are not so specialized.
Diversity
Although taxonomy has found it difficult to precisely establish the classification of Lepidoptera, it has managed to specify that of the around 160,000 species of these insects that exist, the majority correspond to moths. In this sense, moths are more diverse than butterflies.
Reproduction
Since moths focus their habits primarily at night, unlike butterflies, el courtship for reproduction is based primarily on chemical communication and the emission of sounds. Although butterflies also communicate this way, they also rely on color and flight for courtship, so vision is important.
Home position
Commonly, when moths rest they spread their wings to the sides, while butterflies fold them over their backs, eventually opening and closing them.
Pests
Different species of moths, rather than butterflies, are considered pests in the larval phase because they feed on plants of food interest, but some also develop in homes, attacking clothing, tapestries, wooden floors etc. Some examples are: Armyworm (Helicoverpa zea), Woodpecker Moth (Cossus Cossus), Woodpecker Moth (Prionoxystus robiniae) and Clothes Moth (Tineola bisselliella). However, it is important to highlight that, as animals that they are, they should not be eliminated, since they also want to survive, but look for alternatives that keep them away without harming them.
Poison
It has been identified within the moths families with the most poisonous species of all Lepidoptera, since they have stinging hairs that in certain cases can cause severe he alth problems in people and animals. Examples are placed in the families Saturniidae, Limacodidae, and Megalopygidae.
Similarities between butterfly and moth
Butterflies and moths are also similar in many aspects, among which we can highlight the following:
- Anatomy General view of the body divided into: head, thorax and abdomen, as well as extremities such as antennae, legs and wings.
- Presence of scales on the wings and other parts of the body.
- Species of both groups have ability to mimic. Find out how it is possible in this other article: "Animals that camouflage themselves in nature".
- They are holometabolous, that is, they have complete metamorphosis
- In the larval or caterpillar stage they have mandibles and almost all of them in the adult stage have a proboscis.
- Various species of both groups experience the period of diapause.
- They are mostly herbivorous animals.
- They have an important function as pollinators.
- They form part of food webs as they are food for other animals.
- Most Lepidoptera had their expansion when Angiosperms arose during the Cretaceous.
If you want to continue learning and discovering these fantastic insects, don't miss these other articles:
- Types of butterflies
- Types of moths
