Is a swallowtail a butterfly or moth?

Learn the differences between a moth vs a butterfly. Courtesy Sean Wuensch The clubbed antennae of a swallowtail tell you it’s a butterfly, not a moth. Many people think that moths are the nighttime equivalent of butterflies, but it’s not quite that simple.

How do you tell the difference between a butterfly and a moth?

Butterflies normally fold their wings vertically over their backs while most moths hold their wings horizontally when at rest (although quite a few Geometrids, such as the Thorns, hold them vertically or at an angle). So, while useful as a guide, there are plenty of exceptions to these ‘rules’.

Is there a difference between moth and butterfly caterpillars?

One of the main differences between moths and butterflies is how they reach their adult stage. Both go through a metamorphosis from the pupae stage, but what they’re in differs. Butterfly caterpillars become a chrysalis as their pupae stage. Moths, on the other hand, make a cocoon.

How do I identify a swallowtail butterfly?

It features a line of large yellow spots directly across the wings, and another line above the trailing edges. The body of the Giant Swallowtail is mostly yellow, and the underside a pale yellow with iridescent light blue patches. Shiny black with iridescent blue hind wings with arrowhead-shaped white spots.

How do you identify a swallowtail?

The black swallowtail’s colors mimic those of similar species, such as the giant or pipevine swallowtails. To identify the black swallowtail, look for a pair of black dots centered in larger orange circles on the inner edge of the hind wings. The black swallowtail caterpillar changes appearance each time it molts.

How do I identify a moth?

You can easily recognize moths by their antennae, wings, and activity. First, moths are generally identified by their saw-edged antennae that give the long feelers a fuzzy appearance. Second, moth identification is also possible by the way they place their wings when they land on objects.

Did butterflies evolve from moths?

Butterflies, a much younger and less diverse group than moths, did not originate until about 100 million years ago and are just day-flying moths, Kawahara said. “This study underscores previous studies that show butterflies really belong in the much bigger group of moths,” he said.

Are swallowtails rare?

Probably the most spectacular of the swallowtail butterflies, the zebra swallowtail flies in the eastern half of the country. However, it is one of the rarest swallowtail butterflies. It’s usually only found in great numbers where its host plant, pawpaw (Asimina sp.) also thrives.

What is the coolest moth?

Here are 20 of the most beautiful moths from around the world.

of 20. Comet Moth. Goddard_Photography / Getty Images.
of 20. Lime Hawk-Moth. Jasius / Getty Images.
of 20. Twin-Spotted Sphinx Moth.
of 20. Oleander Hawk-Moth.
of 20. Io Moth.
of 20. Garden Tiger Moth.
of 20. Galium Sphinx Moth.
of 20. Rosy Maple Moth.