How do butterflies, moths, and skippers differ from one another?

Butterflies, moths, and skippers are all members of the order Lepidoptera. While they share many characteristics, such as scaly wings and a four-stage life cycle, they can be distinguished by several physical and behavioral traits.

Key Differences

• Activity Patterns: Butterflies are typically diurnal (day-flying), whereas most moths are active at night.12
• Antennae: Butterflies possess simple, club-tipped antennae. Most moths have distinctive thick or feathery antennae. Skippers also have clubbed antennae, but the club usually ends in a slender, hooked tip.32
• Body Shape: Butterflies generally have slim or dainty bodies, while moths are typically stout and often fuzzy. Skippers have small, stout bodies that resemble those of a moth.32
• Resting Posture: When at rest, butterflies typically hold their wings vertically over their backs. Moths generally fold their wings tentlike over the body, wrap them around the body, or hold them extended at the sides. Most skippers hold their first pair of wings vertically like butterflies.32
• Metamorphosis: Butterflies form a chrysalis during their pupal stage, whereas most moths build fibrous cocoons. Skippers pupate in thin cocoons of silk or silk and leaves.23