Butterflies and Moths

Butterflies and Moths

Caterpillars

Butterflies number about 20,000 species, and moths number about 160,000 species. The fine scales on their wings characterize these insects, along with their extendable proboscis. Butterflies have long, thin antennae, typically feed during the day, and create a shiny chrysalis to pupate. Moths have short, fuzzy antennae, typically feed at night, and form silky cocoons to pupate.

Their larval phase of both is commonly called a caterpillar. After forming a chrysalis or cocoon, caterpillars undergo a dramatic metamorphosis, emerging as butterflies or moths.