Referred to collectively as Lepidoptera, butterflies and moths, while closely related, nevertheless possess specific and sometimes subtle differences. Butterflies and moths are by and large day-flying creatures while moths are nocturnal. Here is a thorough guide to these astonishing insects which transform miraculously from caterpillars to high-fliers. The most common and familiar species are shown, as well as rare and exotic tropical species from around the world. With over 100 full-color photographs, this volume offers a colorful and intriguing sampling of the nearly 150,000 species known to science.