What Is Lepidopterophobia?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTraitsHow the Fear of Butterflies Is DiagnosedCausesTreatmentCoping

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Traits

How the Fear of Butterflies Is Diagnosed

Causes

Treatment

Coping

Lepidopterophobia, also known as butterfly phobia, involves intense fear of butterflies and moths. Mottephobia, or the fear of moths alone, is closely related to thisphobia. People who are scared of butterflies experience intense feelings of distress and will go to great lengths to avoid the source of their fear.

Neither are considered distinct conditions in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition” (DSM-5-TR), but would instead be classified as a specific phobia. Specific phobias involve intense, life-limiting fear of a specific object or situation. When people come in contact with moths or butterflies, they experience immediate symptoms of fear and anxiety.

Lepidopterophobia is derived from the word lepidopterans, the over 155,000 species of insects including butterflies, moths, and skippers. While fear of spiders, orarachnophobia, is the most common insect fear people encounter, fear of butterflies and moths is also a fairly common phobia.

At a GlanceIf you are scared of butterflies, then you might have lepidopterophobia. While it can be distressing and create disruptions in your daily life, specific phobias like this are very treatable. In many cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure treatments can help you overcome your phobia and ease your fears. In this article, let’s take a closer look at whether your fear of butterflies is considered a phobia and what you can do to cope,

At a Glance

If you are scared of butterflies, then you might have lepidopterophobia. While it can be distressing and create disruptions in your daily life, specific phobias like this are very treatable. In many cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure treatments can help you overcome your phobia and ease your fears. In this article, let’s take a closer look at whether your fear of butterflies is considered a phobia and what you can do to cope,

Symptoms of Lepidopterophobia

If you are scared of butterflies, you might experience several psychological and physical symptoms if you encounter a butterfly or moth, or sometimes if you even see a picture or think about one. Some common symptoms include:

It is important to distinguish between having fear or dislike of something and a specific phobia. People who have a phobia experience severe fear and avoidance that cause disruptions in their ability to function normally.

The level of distress they fear, and their avoidance behaviors make it difficult to engage in their regular daily activities.

Aspects of Being Scared of Butterflies

There are a few different traits and aspects of lepidopterophobia that people may experience. Some of these include:

Fear of Fluttering

Many people with a butterfly or moth phobia report that they are afraid of the creatures' constant fluttering. Some fear the sensation of a fluttering butterfly flying in their faces or brushing against their arms, while others are uncomfortable with how they look when traveling through the air.

The lack of predictability of movement is associated with the fear in that people do not know whether the butterfly or moth will land on them or where on their body they will touch.

Fear of Flying Creatures

Some people claim to be afraid of not only butterflies and moths butbirdsas well. They may fear the flying behavior or worry that a flying creature will land on them. Some are afraid only of smaller birds that rapidly flap their wings, such as hummingbirds, but are unafraid of larger birds that flap more slowly.

It all comes down to their perception of the threat of surprise and the lack of control they have over their environment.

Fear of Swarming

Both butterflies and moths are social creatures, and they often travel in groups. Some people who fear them are less afraid of a single butterfly or moth than they are of a large group.

Swarming, in which many butterflies or moths fly in close formation, may be a particular trigger. People whose fear is specifically of swarming are often afraid even when the insects are at rest, as they often rest in groups.

In order to diagnose a specific phobia such as the fear of butterflies and moths, a doctor or mental health professional will ask questions about the nature, duration, and severity of your symptoms.

These symptoms must meet certain criteria described in the DSM-5-TR:

To be diagnosed with a specific phobia, these symptoms must be present for six months or more and must create significant distress or disruption in your life.

Why You Might Be Scared of Butterflies

The exact causes of lepidopterophobia are not known, but a number of different factors may play a role.

Evolutionary Factors

Some research suggests that certain phobias, such as those related to animals or insects, may be part of a hard-wired, evolutionary response designed to aid in survival.

Genetic and Family Influences

Specific phobias appear to have a genetic component. Upbringing and witnessing phobia-related anxiety responses can also contribute to the development of such fears.

Traumatic Experiences

Treatment for Lepidopterophobia

Many strategies to deal with being scared of butterflies involve taking steps to face the fear. Treatments for specific phobias often focus on psychotherapy but may also incorporate the use of medications and self-help strategies.

Exposure therapy, a type ofcognitive behavioral therapy, is the first-line approach for treating specific phobias such as lepidopterophobia.

How Exposure Reduces FearThis approach relies on what is known as themere exposure effect. Exposure to the feared object in a controlled and intentional environment is a good way to help neutralize the phobia. Such exposure can involve real-world exposure but imagined or virtual reality exposure can also be effective.

How Exposure Reduces Fear

This approach relies on what is known as themere exposure effect. Exposure to the feared object in a controlled and intentional environment is a good way to help neutralize the phobia. Such exposure can involve real-world exposure but imagined or virtual reality exposure can also be effective.

A sense of lack of control may be a contributor to the anxiety that results from the phobia. Intentionally interacting with butterflies and moths can contribute to a greater sense of control and this may alleviate some of your fear. Some people join butterfly conservation projects, others try immersiontherapy, and others find solace in creating art with their feared subjects.

While the fear may never go away completely, deliberate interaction and exposure to butterflies, for example at a zoo where there are butterfly and moth exhibits, or going to a garden, can be a good way to face this fear.

Coping With Lepidopterophobia

If you or a loved one are having symptoms of lepidopterophobia, it can be helpful to use self-help strategies in addition to getting professional treatment. Some tactics that can help:

Relaxation Techniques

When you find yourself experiencing feelings of anxiety or fear,relaxation methodssuch asdeep breathing,visualization,mindfulness, andprogressive muscle relaxationcan help you manage your symptoms.

Self-Care Strategies

Caring for your health and well-being can also help you deal with feelings of stress and anxiety more effectively. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, connecting with yoursocial supportnetwork, and getting regular physical activity.

Research has shown that exercise can be effective in the treatment and prevention of anxiety.

Gradual Self-Exposure

Gradually exposing yourself to butterflies and moths can be helpful, but it is important to do this in a safe way to avoid worsening feelings of fear. Be sure to practice relaxation techniques along with exposure to help yourself stay calm.

Research has also shown that virtual exposure can be effective in the treatment of specific phobias.

Keep in Mind

Specific phobias like the fear of butterflies can be distressing, but they can also seriously interfere with your ability to function normally if they lead to avoidance or social withdrawal. Finding ways to cope can be helpful, so you should try incorporating relaxation techniques, self-care, and gradual exposure into your life. If you are still struggling and being scared of butterflies is causing anxiety and disruptions in your ability to function, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a phobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a phobia, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

10 Most Common Phobias

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Del Giudice M.Specific phobias. In: Del Giudice M, ed.Evolutionary Psychopathology. Oxford University Press; 2018:331-339. doi:10.1093/med-psych/9780190246846.003.0017Sawyers C, Ollendick T, Brotman MA, et al.The genetic and environmental structure of fear and anxiety in juvenile twins.Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2019;180(3):204-212. doi:10.1002/ajmg.b.32714Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: A rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-XFreitas JRS, Velosa VHS, Abreu LTN, Jardim RL, Santos JAV, Peres B, Campos PF.Virtual reality exposure treatment in phobias: A systematic review.Psychiatr Q. 2021;92(4):1685-1710. doi:10.1007/s11126-021-09935-6Aylett E, Small N, Bower P.Exercise in the treatment of clinical anxiety in general practice - a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Health Serv Res. 2018;18(1):559. doi:10.1186/s12913-018-3313-5Maples-Keller JL, Bunnell BE, Kim SJ, Rothbaum BO.The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2017;25(3):103-113. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000138

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Del Giudice M.Specific phobias. In: Del Giudice M, ed.Evolutionary Psychopathology. Oxford University Press; 2018:331-339. doi:10.1093/med-psych/9780190246846.003.0017Sawyers C, Ollendick T, Brotman MA, et al.The genetic and environmental structure of fear and anxiety in juvenile twins.Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2019;180(3):204-212. doi:10.1002/ajmg.b.32714Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: A rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-XFreitas JRS, Velosa VHS, Abreu LTN, Jardim RL, Santos JAV, Peres B, Campos PF.Virtual reality exposure treatment in phobias: A systematic review.Psychiatr Q. 2021;92(4):1685-1710. doi:10.1007/s11126-021-09935-6Aylett E, Small N, Bower P.Exercise in the treatment of clinical anxiety in general practice - a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Health Serv Res. 2018;18(1):559. doi:10.1186/s12913-018-3313-5Maples-Keller JL, Bunnell BE, Kim SJ, Rothbaum BO.The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2017;25(3):103-113. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000138

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Del Giudice M.Specific phobias. In: Del Giudice M, ed.Evolutionary Psychopathology. Oxford University Press; 2018:331-339. doi:10.1093/med-psych/9780190246846.003.0017Sawyers C, Ollendick T, Brotman MA, et al.The genetic and environmental structure of fear and anxiety in juvenile twins.Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2019;180(3):204-212. doi:10.1002/ajmg.b.32714Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: A rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-XFreitas JRS, Velosa VHS, Abreu LTN, Jardim RL, Santos JAV, Peres B, Campos PF.Virtual reality exposure treatment in phobias: A systematic review.Psychiatr Q. 2021;92(4):1685-1710. doi:10.1007/s11126-021-09935-6Aylett E, Small N, Bower P.Exercise in the treatment of clinical anxiety in general practice - a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Health Serv Res. 2018;18(1):559. doi:10.1186/s12913-018-3313-5Maples-Keller JL, Bunnell BE, Kim SJ, Rothbaum BO.The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2017;25(3):103-113. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000138

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

Del Giudice M.Specific phobias. In: Del Giudice M, ed.Evolutionary Psychopathology. Oxford University Press; 2018:331-339. doi:10.1093/med-psych/9780190246846.003.0017

Sawyers C, Ollendick T, Brotman MA, et al.The genetic and environmental structure of fear and anxiety in juvenile twins.Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2019;180(3):204-212. doi:10.1002/ajmg.b.32714

Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: A rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:F1000 Faculty Rev-195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1

Eaton WW, Bienvenu OJ, Miloyan B.Specific phobias.Lancet Psychiatry. 2018;5(8):678-686. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30169-X

Freitas JRS, Velosa VHS, Abreu LTN, Jardim RL, Santos JAV, Peres B, Campos PF.Virtual reality exposure treatment in phobias: A systematic review.Psychiatr Q. 2021;92(4):1685-1710. doi:10.1007/s11126-021-09935-6

Aylett E, Small N, Bower P.Exercise in the treatment of clinical anxiety in general practice - a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Health Serv Res. 2018;18(1):559. doi:10.1186/s12913-018-3313-5

Maples-Keller JL, Bunnell BE, Kim SJ, Rothbaum BO.The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2017;25(3):103-113. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000138

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