Comparison

Moth vs Butterfly

How to tell a moth from a butterfly without guessing.

12 October 2026

Subject AMoth

Mostly active after dark, and often hairy.

Mostly active by day, and usually sleeker.

Comparison of Moth and Butterfly
Point	Moth	Butterfly
Antennae	Often feathery or comb-like, depending on the species.	Often club-shaped at the tip.
Activity	Many species are active at night, although some are active during the day.	Many species are active during the day.
Resting position	Many rest with their wings spread or folded roof-like, depending on the species.	Many rest with their wings held upright, although behaviour varies.
Body	Often has a relatively stout, hairy body.	Often has a slimmer body, depending on the species.
Pupa	Many species spin cocoons, but not all do.	Most form a chrysalis without a silk cocoon.

Antennae
Moth
Often feathery or comb-like, depending on the species.
Butterfly
Often club-shaped at the tip.
Activity
Moth
Many species are active at night, although some are active during the day.
Butterfly
Many species are active during the day.
Resting position
Moth
Many rest with their wings spread or folded roof-like, depending on the species.
Butterfly
Many rest with their wings held upright, although behaviour varies.
Body
Moth
Often has a relatively stout, hairy body.
Butterfly
Often has a slimmer body, depending on the species.
Pupa
Moth
Many species spin cocoons, but not all do.
Butterfly
Most form a chrysalis without a silk cocoon.