Butterflies and moths are very similar creatures, but it is easy to tell the difference between them. Both insects are both very recognizable for their large, often colorful wings, and caterpillars are easily recognized by children. Both types of insect have some species that are very mundane in appearance, as well as species that are large and showy, like the Monarch butterfly and the Luna moth.
The easiest way to tell the two apart is by observing their behavior. All butterflies fly around in the daytime, and most moths fly around at night. Also, when at rest, the wings of a butterfly will be held straight up in a vertical position, or out straight in a horizontal position. A moth on the other hand will either fold its wings back against its body or lay them flat against the surface they are resting on.
Finally, butterflies and moths have a slightly different pupal stage. A butterfly caterpillar will attach itself to a branch or some other support and harden its outer skin into a chrysalis. A moth will usually spin a cocoon or web, sometimes covered with bits of debris, although some species will hide in leafy matter, or in a hole in the ground or a plant stem to pupate.