Butterflies and Skippers (Rhopalocera)

Are the bases of the antennae close together, and the tips knobbed?


Butterflies have large wings in proportion to their body size and may hold their wings outstretched.

True Butterflies (Papilionoidea)

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Are the bases of the antennae far apart, and the tips hooked?


Skippers have wings that are not as large in proportion to their body size as those of true butterflies, and they do not hold their wings oustretched.

Skippers (Hesperiidae)

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Last updated: May 26, 2007