Butterfly and moth myths, gently untangled
9 things people often get wrong, with the sources that set them straight.
Myth Butterflies and moths are completely separate groups.
Fact There is no real scientific difference between butterflies and moths; we split them out of habit. Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Lepidoptera The Australian Museum describes butterflies and skippers as groups of specialised moths. Australian Museum: What are the differences between butterflies and moths?
Myth Moths are all dull and only fly at night.
Fact Not all moths fly at night: the Cinnabar and Scarlet Tiger fly by day, and some butterflies, such as the Red Admiral, fly at night. Butterfly Conservation: Moth myths Moths are not all dull. Tiger moths are almost gaudy, and many dull moths have intricate camouflage patterns. Butterfly Conservation: Moth myths
Myth Only butterflies have clubbed antennae.
Fact Some moths have clubbed antennae too, such as the day-flying burnets. Butterfly Conservation: Moth myths
Myth Moths will eat any clothes.
Fact Of about 2,500 moth species in Britain, only a very few eat clothes, and only fabrics from animals such as wool. Butterfly Conservation: Moth myths
Myth The powder on a butterfly’s wing is just dust.
Fact The ‘powder’ that rubs off a butterfly’s wing is actually its scales, so look but don’t touch. American Museum of Natural History: Butterfly FAQ
Myth Every caterpillar spins a cocoon.
Fact Most butterflies don’t spin cocoons: their own body forms the chrysalis. Many hang head-down from a silk pad. Britannica: Lepidoptera (natural history, behaviour and ecology)
Myth All adult butterflies and moths drink nectar.
Fact In a few groups the adult mouthparts don’t work at all, so the adults never eat. All their food is eaten as caterpillars. Britannica: Lepidoptera (natural history, behaviour and ecology) Adult atlas moths cannot feed: their mouthparts are tiny and useless. Britannica: Atlas moth
Myth Butterflies only live for a day.
Fact Most adult butterflies live only a few weeks. Migratory species may live up to 10 months. American Museum of Natural History: Butterfly FAQ
Myth Monarchs follow a route they’ve flown before.
Fact The monarchs that fly south have never been to Mexico before, yet they find the way. US Forest Service: Monarch butterfly migration and overwintering The trip north takes several generations: the great-grandchildren of the monarchs that wintered in Mexico make the return journey. US National Park Service: Milkweed and monarchs