Moths are much more common than butterflies.  Butterflies are more commonly seen than moths.  Moths actually make up around 95% of all  lepidoptera.  They are not seen as often as butterflies because they are more active at night, although some may be seen in daylight.  How do you tell the difference?      

• The butterflies' antennae are always knobbed on the end, the moth's, highly variable, are never knobbed.

• A butterfly rests with its wings vertically clapped above its body, a moth rests with its wings horizontally on its body.

• Moths have tiny hooks or bristles that link their fore wing to their hind wing, butterflies do not have these hooks.

• Moths generally  have more hairy bodies than butterflies.

• Most moths do not have a proboscis for gathering nectar and live off a fat reserve from their caterpillar stage. All adult butterflies have them.

• Many moths have ears, butterflies do not have the ability to detect sound. 

The light from an incandescent bulb will attract moths.  Turn on your porch light at dusk and check for moths periodically.  Check out the walls, ceiling, screens, and nearby bushes.  Black lights have also been used successfully to attract moths.  Try replacing your incandescent bulb with a black one.       

Another attractant for moths is "moth sugar"  This is a concoction you spread on a tree, stump, any surface will do.    

The moths that do have a proboscis will appreciate a garden containing some night bloomers.  These are plants whose flowers open at dusk and they are particularly sweet scented.  These include Moon Vine, Flowering Tobacco,  and Four O'clocks.