Both Butterflies and Moths Go Through Metamorphosis
The Four Stages of Metamorphosis
1. Eggs
2. Larva (Caterpillar)
3. Pupa
4. Adult
The Main Differences Between Moths and Butterflies
The Antennae
Butterflies have a thin, straight long antennae with club-like tips. Whereas moths have feathery, thick comb like antennae's.
Wings
Butterflies wings are typically brightly colored. They also hold their wings together vertically above their body while at rest. Moths on the other hand are often dull in color, with a few moths having brightly colored wings. Moths also usually hold their wings in a tent-like position over their abdomens while at rest.
Body Shape
Butterflies have more of a slender streamlined body. While moths are chunkier with a more robust body shape covered in fine hairs. The difference in body shape showcases the differences in habitat that they live in.
Activity Patterns and Habitat
Butterflies are active during the day and soak up the sunlight to warm their bodies, while feeding on sweet nectar flowers. While moths tend to be active during the night and pollinate flowers.
Both butterflies and moths are cold-blooded. Butterflies like sunshine to keep themselves warm and nectar rich flowers that live in meadows, fields and gardens. Moths generate body heat by vibrating their wings and live in a variety of environments such as open meadows, forests, wetlands, and fields.