We enjoy observing the fluttering of butterflies and moths in our pollinator gardens, but do we recognize their differences, or do we assume all are butterflies?

We appreciate these native insects visiting our flowers, pollinating and laying eggs for the next generation. The more variety of native flowers we have, the more often they will visit.

Butterflies and moths belong to the large order Lepidoptera, but each has its own family. Similarities of each are the ability to fly, having three pairs of legs, two antennae and three body segments: head, thorax and abdomen. Each has a proboscis, a feeding tube that remains coiled when not in use.

Butterflies and moths are considered minor pollinators, as they do not collect pollen as actively as bees do.

The differences of butterflies and moths are subtle, yet important. Butterfly’s antennas are long with a “knob” at the end. Skippers, one type of butterfly, have a long “hook” at the end of the antennae, and moth’s antennae have been described as “featherlike,” having neither a hook nor a knob.

Skippers, additionally, have smaller wings and heavier bodies, and usually fall in the orange, yellow or brown spectrum. Moths usually have similar coloration as butterflies, but duller, because of larger scales on their wings.

When resting, the wings of butterflies and skippers are held upright over their body and extended flat together, gathering the sun’s rays. A moth’s wings, when at rest, are flat or held against their body to bask in the sun to maintain warmth. These cold-blooded insects need the warmth of the sun, especially on cooler days to maintain body temperature.

If you are observing their flight patterns, butterflies flap their wings to gain height, and then glide to a bush, tree or flower; however, moths will continually flap their wings until they land.

Butterflies are diurnal, usually active on warm, sunny days, visiting our gardens searching for food.

Moths are primarily nocturnal and are attracted to our lights in the evening.

Butterflies, skippers and moths lay eggs on leaves with some butterflies laying exclusively on one type of flower. The caterpillar emerges, dining on the leaves, growing and shedding its outer skin called instar. At its final stage the caterpillar forms a pupa, or chrysalis, and remains there until ready to emerge as a butterfly. Moth caterpillars form a cocoon, wrapping themselves in dropped leaves until ready to emerge. This is an example of complete metamorphosis.

Colorado State University estimates there are 750 species of butterflies in the U.S. and 3,000 species of moths. The population of butterflies and moths is dropping due to habitat loss, pollution and insecticides. We can become their advocates and all beneficial insects by planting a variety of pollinator flowers that are host plants and limiting the unnecessary use of pesticides. Native plants and flowers are the best choices, not only for our pollinators but once established, need limited care.

Colorful gardens attract not only us but butterflies and moths that enhance our enjoyment. These native flowers are always appreciated and welcomed.

To learn more about butterflies and moths, as well as the plants which support them, go to https://go.osu.edu/butterfliesandmoths.

Kane Shipka is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.