700 of these butterfly species make their home in North America. With a little understanding of their habits and food preferences, you should be able to attract a few of them to your own backyard. Another identifying characteristic between the two is the body and wing designs of moths make their flight look stiff and jerky, while butterflies fly more gracefully. Lastly, look carefully at their antennas. Moths have either slender, tapering filaments or look like radio antennas with lots of cross hairs.
All butterflies go through four distinct stages in their lives.
Adult female butterflies will select plants to lay their eggs on that will provide food to the caterpillars. Once the eggs are laid, they will usually hatch within one week. The voracious caterpillar that emerges will spend most of its time eating and growing. If development proceeds, an adult butterfly will emerge in 1-2 weeks. The adult butterfly, emerging from the chrysalis will bask in the sunshine to harden and set its wings, and begin its very short, but beautiful life.