Lepidoptera
Your insect is probably a butterfly or moth
Fact file
Body length: 3 - 300mm
Species: World - 165 000, UK - 2495
Moths and butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera. There is no real scientific difference between moths and butterflies but we still split them because:
- butterflies tend to be active during the day, are more brightly coloured, and have simple antennae ending in a small swelling or 'club'
- moths tend to be active during the night, are less brightly coloured, and have a variety of different antennae, but never those with a 'club'
