Butterfly or moth?

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insectsrcool North Bend, WA Jun 25, 2015

I'm new to bugs and am interested in knowing what this beautiful winged one is. It was photographed near the Carbon River in Mount Rainier National Park. There were probably 15 of them working on this flower. Grand! Thanks for your help.

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Post #10101199
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Flapdoodle Minot, ND Jun 26, 2015

It's a moth in the genus Gnophaela; maybe the police car moth, Gnophaela vermiculata - http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/species.php?hodges=8037

Post #10101232
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insectsrcool North Bend, WA Jun 26, 2015

Thanks. Is there an easy way to tell if it's a moth or a butterfly? I noted the fringed antenna, but perhaps butterflies also have them? Much thanks.

Post #10101356
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Chillybean (Zone 5a) Jun 26, 2015

Butterflies do not have the fringed antennae, so that is one quick way to tell them apart. Here's a link:
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/butterflies/butterflies.htm

Post #10101364
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