The Ultimate Butterflies and Moths Quiz

One of the defining characteristics of butterflies and moths is that they have two wings, covered with fragile, overlapping scales that turn to dust when gently brushed off.

In North America, there are ten times as many species of moths as there are butterflies. Authorities estimate that there are about 165,000 species.

Butterflies are most active during the day, as opposed to moths, who are most active at dusk.

A major difference between a butterfly and a moth is that a butterfly has a more slender body than a moth. A butterfly's antenna end in a knob, while a moth's is more threadlike.

Moths and butterflies belong to the Lepidoptera order of the class Insecta.

South America's blue morhpo butterfly is one of the world's biggest and brightest butterflies. Its wings measure up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) when spread out.

South America's eighty-eight butterfly has scales that form the number 88 on its back.

The esmerelda butterfly has transparent wings trimmed with pink on the back wings.

African cymotho butterflies are red. The largest of this species is the red glider?

The world's largest butterfly, the African giant swallowtail, has wings that open to 10 inches (25 centimeters).

The Cairn's birdwing is native to Australia. It has a long yellow body and brightly colored wings.

Europe's most unusual butterfly is the peacock, which has four large eyespots on its wings, to scare off predators.

The Japanese emperor butterfly, the national butterfly of Japan, is also found in China. It has purple-blue wings with pink and white dots on the edges.

At their larva stage, as caterpillars, moths and butterflies are pests, consuming plants and plant products.

The silkworm moth is the only insect other than the honeybee that has been domesticated.

The parsley plant should be used to attract swallowtail butterflies; they like to lay eggs in it.

There are currently 40 endangered species of butterflies. This is sue to the destruction of their habitat and because they are susceptible to poisoning by insecticides.

Butterflies and moths have a highly developed sense of smell. They use their antenna to smell and to hear.

Moths and butterfly's have compound eyes, made up of many hexagonal lenses, so that it looks like honeycomb.

Moths and butterflies have long and slender legs, which are capable of crawling only.