Lepidoptera
(Science: zoology) An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping scales, usually brightly coloured.
They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by the two slender maxillae. The labial palpi are usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles are rudimentary. The larvae, called caterpillars, are often brightly coloured, and they commonly feed on leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of flowers.
Origin: NL, fr. Gr, a scale – a feather, wind.
Dictionary > Lepidoptera
You will also like...
Insects
There are more species of insects than any other species combined. This surely illustrates that insects have the selecti..
Community Patterns
Learn about community patterns and the ecological factors influencing these patterns. Revisit some of the ecosystems you..
Ecosystem Succession
If the balance of nature is left untouched, landscapes can change dramatically over time. A previous ecosystem is supers..
New Zealand’s Unique Flora
If New Zealand has lots of unique animals, it's also got a whole lot of unique plants. Find out more about some of them,..
Human Reproduction and Fertilization
For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to con..
Early Mammals on Earth
The Earth's ecosphere was rapidly changing and throwing up a wide range of ecological niches that new adaptive organisms..