Which of the following distinguishes a butterfly from a moth?

Analyze the question: We need the feature that truly distinguishes butterflies from moths. Let's check each option against the facts.

Key concepts: Butterflies and moths both belong to the order Lepidoptera, but differ in these ways:

| Feature | Butterfly | Moth | |---|---|---| | Activity | Diurnal (day) | Mostly nocturnal (night) | | Antennae | Slender with clubbed tips | Feathery or plain/pointed, not clubbed | | Wings at rest | Held vertically, folded above the body | Held flat/horizontal (roof-like) over the body | | Body | Slender | Stout, fat, hairy | | Pupa | Chrysalis (no cocoon) | Usually in a silk cocoon |

Step-by-step evaluation:

• A. Butterfly wings rest horizontally, moth's vertically: This is the reverse of the truth. Butterflies rest with wings vertical, moths with wings horizontal. Wrong.
• B. Both are active during the day: Moths are mostly nocturnal. This does not distinguish them. Wrong.
• C. They have similar antennae: Butterflies have clubbed antennae, while moths have feathery or pointed ones. They are not similar. Wrong.
• D. The abdomen of moth is fatter than that of butterfly: Moths have stout, thick bodies, while butterflies have slender ones. Correct.

Exam tip: Remember "Butterfly = Beautiful, Brightly coloured, Bright day, slender Body, club-tipped antennae (Bats the ball!)". When an option reverses the wing-resting positions (as A does), watch out. JAMB often swaps the facts to trap you. Moths = Midnight, Massive body, Matted (flat) wings.