Moth or Butterfly? by fishers

Moth or Butterfly?

I'll admit to large gaps in my knowledge of nature, and to confirm that, I'm not even sure if my subject today is a moth or a butterfly - and I'm not even sure that I know what the difference is!

I found this on our lounge window perched on the glass with it's wings outstretched, so this seemed a good opportunity to practice with the macro on my camera.

If anyone does know what it is (and the species as well, if possible), I would be interested to hear from you.

Ian
A beautiful shot!!! it's a moth, but I couldn't possibly say which species... there are so many hundreds, and they change from country to country too!!!
July 9th, 2013  
Moths tend to sit with their wings open, butterflies tend to keep their wings closed! Moths have short more thick stumpy looking antenna, butterflies have longer more delicate antennae!!!

These are tow simple and common methods of telling butterflies and moths part!!! (But like with everything, there are always a few exceptions to the rule!!!)
July 9th, 2013  
Whatever it is a good shot
July 9th, 2013  
Great shot
July 9th, 2013  
Great moth shot. I think I would have probably run rather than take a shot as I have a moth phobia
July 9th, 2013  
For sure it`s a beautiful close up and a great capture
July 9th, 2013  
Fab close up shot - love the hairy bits round the wings!
July 9th, 2013  
Excellent close up. Looks like it has lace around the edges. So pretty.
July 9th, 2013  
Agree with Therese - it's a moth but that's the extent of my knowledge. A lovely macro especially taken against such a strong lightsource but this has helped bring out some fabulous detail
July 9th, 2013  
Bob
I vote for moth...nice close up capture.
July 9th, 2013  
Terrific macro capture the strong back-light creates an X-ray effect.
July 9th, 2013  
I am in agreement, it's a moth but like the others, not the foggiest as to what sort :-). Nice sharp image with the coloured flowers in the background. Was he on a window?
July 9th, 2013  
wonderful shot!
July 10th, 2013  
Great shot of whatever it is.
July 10th, 2013  
@monkeykid

Thank you Therese, and thank you for the guidance on how to tell the difference between moths and butterflies!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@padlock

Thank you Padlock - back lighting can work wonders!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@bkbinthecity

Thank you Brian, glad you like it!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@purplehaze12

Thank you Hazel - it was quite settled and placid when I approached the fearsome beast!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@pyrrhula

Thank you Ferry, glad you like it!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@gillg

Thank you Gill, I was quite pleased with the result!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@witchyjacq

Thank you Jacqui - I was pleased with the detail that I managed to capture!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@malc

Thank you Malc, the back lighting was a great help with this shot.

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@bobhuegel

Thank you Bob - the vote seems unanimous!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@tonydebont

Thank you Tony - the back lighting was very useful here!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@rossevs

Thank you Ross - it was on the glass of our lounge window inside the house.

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@colie

Thank you Colie, glad you like it!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
@kjarn

Thank you Kathy, the vote is unanimously in favour of it being a moth!

Ian
July 10th, 2013  
It's a moth, I agree with all those up there! Good capture!
July 13th, 2013  
@espyetta

Thank you MaryBeth - the verdict is unanimous, it's a moth!

Ian
July 14th, 2013  
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