1 WRCF POSTER ADULT AND LARVA OF MOTHS OF PENNSYLVANIA Moths and Butterflies Which is Which? DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES

The previous WRCF poster on Butterflies and Skippers described basic structural differences of butterflies, skippers, and moths. Behaviorally, most butterflies are diurnal (day active) while most moths are nocturnal and or crepuscular, some totally night active or, as many, crepuscular (active in the twilight of dusk). Low temperature and excessively high humidity usually minimizes dawn flights. Those moths that are nocturnal are obviously less conspicuous and observable to humans. Yet their varied coloration and patterns reflect many adaptations exhibited by a variety of life forms. This begs a question- Why are many moths so brightly colored or conspicuous when they are flying at night when it is dark? Even though the darkness of night protects them from being visible to predators most moth predators are day active and prey on moths while they are at rest. Camouflaged species such as underwing moths are less visible if they are resting on tree bark with their wings held prostrate. But when startled they will raise their forewings to reveal on the hind wing bright patterns of yellow and black, orange and black or red and black bands that communicate warning coloration. Eyespots may effectively defer predation of numerous species such as Antherae