References and Links Butterfly Skipper Moth Lepidoptera include the insects we commonly refer to as the butterflies, skippers, and moths. All adult Lepidoptera have bodies and wings covered with scales, large compound eyes, and mouthparts that are fused into a suctorial proboscis designed to suck up flower nectar, fruit juices or other liquids. The most obvious differences between them are in antennae and behavior.
Moths generally are plainer and have hairier bodies than butterflies.
They hold their wings horizontally and have fringed antennae. Many moths are nocturnal, flying only at night, but many tropical moths are large brightly colored day fliers. Butterflies are usually large, brightly colored dayfliers. They have clubbed antennae and hold their wings vertically. Skippers were once considered butterflies, but because of their hooked antennae, small size, and hairiness are probably more closely related to moths.