Did you know there are 39 different butterfly species and three moth species in the Palm Lakes Family Estate?  Have you spotted a flying beauty but don’t know how to tell the difference? Here are a few tips:

1. Look at their wings

Moths rest with their wings open. Butterflies rest with their wings closed.

2. Day or night?

 Moths are active at night. You will see butterflies active during the day.

3. Note the shape of the antennae

When you look closely at the shape of the antennae of butterflies and moths, you will see they are very different,

The butterfly usually has long antennae that are bare.

Moths have antennae that have leaf or feather shapes. 

4. Colour 

Generally speaking, moths are duller in colour with fewer striking patterns. Butterflies are more vibrant in colour and often have more striking patterns.