It is a popular notion that moths are duller than butterflies. Unfortunately, this is not a reliable method of distinguishing between the two. There are some very bright moths and dull butterflies. Additionally, moths have a spine-like structure on their hind wing which holds the two wings together while most all butterflies do not. The patterned, colored and delicate wings of butterflies and moths are made of thin layers of a substance called chitin.
Chitin also forms their outside body.
Tiny scales cover the wings and body, giving strength as well as providing the the iridescent quality that we find so beautiful. Adults have compound eyes as well as a sucking tube that they keep rolled up when not sipping the nectar of flowers. Larvae look like caterpillars and usually have a body divided into 13 parts with many legs to get that body around. Hatching from an egg, the hungry caterpillar devours plants, quickly growing. At some point, the caterpillar stops eating and finds a safe place, entering the pupa or chrysalis stage.