Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Lepidoptera
‖
Lepˊi-dop′te-ra
(-dŏp′tē̍-rȧ)
, Noun.
pl.
[NL., fr. Gr.
λεπίσ
-ίδος
, a scale + πτερόν
a feather, wing.] (Zool.)
An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping scales, usually brightly colored.
☞ They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by the two slender maxillæ. 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 larvæ, called
caterpillars
, are often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of flowers. Definition 2024
Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera
See also: lepidoptera
Translingual
Proper noun
Lepidoptera
- A taxonomic order within the superorder Panorpida – the butterflies, moths and skippers.
Hyponyms
- (order): Aglossata, Eolepidopterigina, Glossata, Heterobathmiina, Zeugloptera
lepidoptera
lepidoptera
See also: Lepidoptera
Latin
Adjective
lepidoptera
- nominative feminine singular of lepidopterus
- nominative neuter plural of lepidopterus
- accusative neuter plural of lepidopterus
- vocative feminine singular of lepidopterus
- vocative neuter plural of lepidopterus
lepidopterā
- ablative feminine singular of lepidopterus