Changes Butterflies and Moths go through over their lifetimes
What is the Difference Between a Moth and a Butterfly?
The definition of a butterfly: An insect of the order Lepidoptera. Butterflies are generally active during daylight, have slender bodies, four wings and knobbed antennae. Butterfly wings are usually very colorful.
By definition, a moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly of the order Lepidoptera. Most species of moth are nocturnal (active at night and sleep in the day). Moths usually have thick, feathery antennae. When at rest, their wings fall open, either flat or tented over the body.
Lifecycle of Butterflies
In a nut shell, there are four separate stages:
- egg - The egg is the first stage in the butterfly and moth life cycle
- caterpillar - When the egg hatches, butterfly and moth caterpillars (larvae) emerge and immediately begin eating.
- pupa or chrysalis (cocoon) - Once the caterpillar has grown, it attaches to a twig (or other secure surface) and gradually transforms into a hard-shell cocoon for protection while the caterpillar changes into adult form.
- adult - When the butterfly or moth emerges from the cocoon, its wings are folded up against its body. The insect has to pump blood into the wings in order to expand them so it can fly.
There is a lot of good, free information available on the internet about the lifecycle of butterflies and moths.
These web sites have pretty good pages written for children. Some have very good lifecycle photos and charts.
Recommended further reading:
- kidsbutterfly.org Life Cycle of Butterflies and Moths has nice pictures and easy-to-understand writing style. Languages: English | Français | Deutsch | Español | Italiano | Nederlands
- fieldmuseum.org Butterfly basics
- thebutterflysite.com including a large black and white chart lifecycle chart for printing and coloring.
- foremostbutterflies.com Butterfly habitats, lifecycle and senses.
