Butterfly/Moth ID: Not sure if this is a butterfly or a moth and I can't id it from pictures I've looked at online. Can someone tell me what it is?

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

Butterfly/Moth ID

Page 1 of 2 next>

Aug 4, 2015 19:21:33 #

nehall Loc: Martinsville, VA

Not sure if this is a butterfly or a moth and I can't id it from pictures I've looked at online. Can someone tell me what it is?

(Download)

Aug 4, 2015 20:21:09 #

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

It's most likely a butterfly. Not sure what model. Moths fold their wings to the vertical position after they land. Butterflies generally leave their wings extended.

Aug 4, 2015 20:23:13 #

Thru the lens Loc: South Central PA

nehall wrote:

Not sure if this is a butterfly or a moth and I can't id it from pictures I've looked at online. Can someone tell me what it is?

Looks like a moth. We had one on our butterfly bush too. I'll see if I can identify it.

Aug 4, 2015 20:41:58 #

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I think it's a buckeye (peacock) butterfly. Moths rarely come out during the day, mostly nocturnal. Also butterfly's have little bulbs on the end of their antennae

Aug 4, 2015 21:53:19 #

nehall Loc: Martinsville, VA

BigDaddy wrote:

I think it's a buckeye (peacock) butterfly. Moths rarely come out during the day, mostly nocturnal. Also butterfly's have little bulbs on the end of their antennae

Thanks so much, BigDaddy! I had read that moths rarely come out during the day. I also got some pics of a Silver Spotted Skipper that I thought was a moth, but it was out during the day. Are Skippers not moths or butterflies?

Aug 4, 2015 21:54:37 #

nehall Loc: Martinsville, VA

nicksr1125 wrote:

It's most likely a butterfly. Not sure what model. Moths fold their wings to the vertical position after they land. Butterflies generally leave their wings extended.

Thanks for your response, nicksr1125. I had read that as well.

Aug 4, 2015 21:55:32 #

nehall Loc: Martinsville, VA

Thru the lens wrote:

Looks like a moth. We had one on our butterfly bush too. I'll see if I can identify it.

Thanks, Thru the lens. I appreciate your trying to help!

Aug 5, 2015 07:43:43 #

MBW66 Loc: NH, USA

Agree with BigDaddy: Buckeye butterfly, Junonia coenia, said to be highly variable.

Aug 5, 2015 07:51:19 #

Bayertake2 Loc: Alton, Illinois

Common Buckeye Butterfly

Aug 5, 2015 09:29:36 #

bob fleer Loc: Annapolis, MD

IF I remember correctly butterfly antenna are smooth and moth antenna have a feathery look

Aug 5, 2015 09:31:21 #

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

nehall wrote:

Skippers are butterflies that look like moths, in that they have a fat body and muted colors. I'm no expert however. I had the same questions when I was photographing bugs on my wifes butterfly bush, same as you. Skippers seem to be the most prolific, and least photogenic of all the butterflies.

Aug 5, 2015 11:03:12 #