Butterflies and Moths

Resting up

A resting butterfly, such as this comma

butterfly, claps its big wings together,

straight up over its body. Look out for

butterflies resting in this position on

warm sunny days.

Veins on the
wings work like
supporting bars
in a kite.

Shape and color help

butterflies blend in with

their natural surroundings.

Can you spot the

Y-shaped marks on this

silver Y moth’s wings?

Hind wing

Front wing

Keeping warm

Butterflies and moths have to

warm themselves up before they

can fly. Daytime fliers bask in the

sun. Those that fly at night vibrate

their wings to warm up their

flight muscles.

Asleep on a leaf

Most moths are small with

short wings and a stubby

body. When they rest, moths

often slide their wings over

each other into a triangular

shape, so the front pair of

wings covers the hind wings.

US_010-011_Which_is_which.indd 11 11/10/17 5:34 pm