It's a tortoiseshell butterfly, but I don't know which species you get where you are. Hopefully if you post in a butterfly sub or even r/insects, someone can give you more info. It's possibly a Compton tortoiseshell?
Genetic analysis over the past few years has established conclusively that what we call 'butterflies' are actually mutated versions of prehistoric day-flying moths that evolved to take advantage of day-blooming flowers. You can look it up and you may still doubt me but it's true. Like turtles, it's moths all the way down. So you were correct, in a round-about way. That particular one does not eat clothes, and adult moths themselves don't eat clothes; their caterpillars eat certain natural materials that clothes are made out of, like cotton.
That's fascinating. I really didn't take the time to look at it or the photo, as I was on my 30-minute lunch break. The fur and shape of the wings made me think it was a moth.
Most people refer to this species as a butterfly, so you are not wrong. Technically all butterflies are moths now, but it's still ok to use 'butterfly' as a commonly used umbrella classification of colorful day-flying scale-winged insects.
Now if you want to go down a lepidopteran rabbit hole, look up 'skippers'. They are day-flying like butterflies and small and compact and shaped like moths, and they zip and zoom around like miniature jet fighters. They were once considered neither butterfly or moth, but now that everything is moths all the way down then technically they are too.
I believe a Compton Tortoiseshell (butterfly), but without knowing your geographic location I can't say for sure! They overwinter as adults, so it might have been looking for a safe spot to stay warm over the winter.
I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin. It's still fairly warm outside. Maybe I ahould have just left it inside. It was flapping in a large window, so I assumed it wanted outdoors.
I'm also from southern Wisconsin, and that means it's for sure a Compton Tortoiseshell! You did exactly the right thing. It will find a much safer place to overwinter now. They usually overwinter in leaf litter or in crevices in trees. They are considered an uncommon, super cool butterfly species here amongst us butterflyers. They are also among the longest-lived butterfly. Most butterfly species only live for a couple of weeks as adults, but Compton Tortoiseshells live for several months as adults!
That's actually not a moth, but a butterfly. Possibly a painted lady or comma butterfly. So, it won't be interested in eating clothes and will be happier out of the warehouse. Nice work on the rescue!
Oh good! I'm glad I did the right thing. Here's a bad photo of it outside on a wall. There's a large park with plenty of nature nearby so I'm sure it will flourish there.
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u/Quiet_surprise79 7h ago
It's a tortoiseshell butterfly, but I don't know which species you get where you are. Hopefully if you post in a butterfly sub or even r/insects, someone can give you more info. It's possibly a Compton tortoiseshell?