Moths or butterflies?

Working in the wildflower garden this weekend, trying to maintain control of the weeds, I noticed a wide variety of butterflies, moths and other insects taking advantage of the early blooms. Each plant was picked for its value to hummingbirds and butterflies and other birds and insects. I often get asked to explain the difference between butterflies and moths, each differing in habits and body structure. You will see butterflies mainly in the daytime and moths at night, but this general rule does not hold true for all butterflies and moths; in fact we are seeing a lot of moths this year during the day and night.The best way to determine if it is a moth or butterfly is to look closely at its two antennae or “feelers.” If they are clubbed, you can be quite sure you have a butterfly. Moths generally have feathery or threadlike antennae.Moths and butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera, meaning scale-winged. Their delicate wings are covered with thousands of minute scales that overlap like shingles on a house. The arrangement of scales reflects a variety of colors through the translucent membranes between the wing veins. The scales on a moth are erratic, often thin and hairy. A butterfly’s wing scales are more uniform and smooth.When resting, a butterfly usually holds its wings closed and upright over its slender back. The moth rests with its wings stretched flat or folded over and around its plump back. Many types of moth larvae or “caterpillars” make cocoons from where, after time, they emerge as adult moths. Butterflies do not make cocoons. A mature butterfly larva tends to make a chrysalis in which to grow. The chrysalis is attached to a plant for several weeks while the larva inside begins to develop into a butterfly.I remember searching for butterfly larvae and, when I found one, watching it make a chrysalis and eventually emerge as a mature butterfly. I was particularly happy when I saw the famous monarch butterfly. How fun it was to see that brand new orange-and-black butterfly emerge and flutter away for the first time! Unfortunately, our familiar monarch continues to be on the decline. In fact, wintering populations in Mexico hit record lows this year. Scientists have been pointing to several reasons for this decline, including unusual weather patterns and loss of habitat. Of utmost concern though, is the use of herbicide-tolerant crops that has enabled farmers, particularly in the Midwest, to wipe out the milkweed growing between the rows of millions of acres of soybean and corn, and with it, much of the butterflies’ food supply. Back here at home, we can help by planting and maintaining native flowering plants, including milkweed, to attract birds and butterflies. Letting excess lawn revert to more of a field condition is also good and reduces maintenance costs. When planting for birds and butterflies, it is essential to avoid nonnative invasive plants. I also recommend adding benches to these backyard landscapes that will enable you and your family to observe this wildlife close-up. To learn more about moths and butterflies and a whole host of other nature-related topics, and to see many different live animals, don’t forget that the Sharon Audubon Festival will be held Aug. 10-11 at the Sharon Audubon Center.Scott E. Heth is the director of Audubon Sharon and can be reached at sheth@audubon.org, (subject line: Nature Notes).