Butterfly and Moth Larva Difference

[goosey]

When I try to ID new caterpillars, I always have to check out moth and butterfly larvae lists. I was wondering is there a way at a glance to tell if it's a butterfly or moth larva to save some time?

[wildlifesnapper]

Hi

there are some like the geometrid moths(looper caterpillars) and hawkmoths with their tails that you know immediately are moths.With most of the others I guess its like other things, you just get to know them with the more you see and identify.

neil

[poschiavanus]

I'm not aware of simple key to Caterpillars in English, but I know they exist in German.

The features which appear to be most useful to identifying a caterpillar to family are: no. of prolegs, structure of prolegs, presence/absence of clasper overall hairiness, and presence of lumps and bumps on various segments.

I think the Butterfly families are reasonably distinct, but I don't think there's any way you can just say Moth or Butterfly.

HTH,

poschiavanus

[Dogghound]

Yes the larva of all butterflies and moths are all unique to each species, the difference between the two can be hard with some species, alot of the more common moth species are distinctive with elaborate hair/coloring etc, or large like hawkmoth or like loopers caterpillar's. Butterflies with the odd exemption tend to be very basic greens, brown's with little hair.

[goosey]

Thanks all! It looks like its back trawling through the references again for me. I don't know enough about eithers make up - I can spot a hawk moth larva though .

[Dogghound]

Originally Posted by goosey

Thanks all! It looks like its back trawling through the references again for me. I don't know enough about eithers make up - I can spot a hawk moth larva though .

The more you look at them you will start to remember the more common species by sight. Dont worry it gets easier goosey

[Scarlet Pimpernel]

Goosey I am in the same boat as you.... I have now work on the basis of me trying to ID the cat first, then put a picture on here stating what I think it might be and then getting the ID checked by the likes of Tristanba, Dogghound. They are very very knowledgable and more than willing to help I have found.

The important bit is to attempt the ID on your own first, this way you learn some of the characteristics and the times which each cat should appear.

Cheers Jacob