The English moths and butterflies

by Benjamin Wilkes

The Distinction of Moths and Butterflies.

MOTHS and BUTTERFLIES agree in their Progression from the Egg to the Fly State, are different when in that State, in the following Particulars.

BUTTERFLIES have a Ball or Knob at the Extremity of each of their Antennæ, or Horns.

The Horns of MOTHS have not such Balls or Knobs, but are constantly threaded or pointed: except the Males of some Species, whose Horns are ramified, or in the Form of Combs.

All BUTTERFLIES settle with their Wings erect, and generally keep them in that Posture, unless when basking in the Sun.

Most MOTHS do not settle with their Wings erect, but place them horizontally, or inclining to their Feet.

All BUTTERFLIES come abroad by Day-Light, and chiefly when the Sun shines bright.

MOTHS fly, some by Day-Light, some by Twilight, and some in the Dead of Night.

N. B. There is a Species of Fly betwixt the Moth and the Butterfly, whose Horns are more flat and hollow; this is describ’d in the second Book of this Work, by the Name of the Burnet.