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Definitions for: Lepidoptera
[n] moths and butterflies
Webster (1913) Definition: Lep`i*dop"te*ra (-d[o^]p"t[-e]*r[.a]), n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + ptero`n a feather,
wing.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and
moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping
scales, usually brightly colored.
Note: They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by
the two slender maxill[ae]. 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 larv[ae], called caterpillars, are
often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on
leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of
flowers.
Synonyms: order Lepidoptera
See Also: animal order, Arctiidae, Bombycidae, caterpillar, class Hexapoda, class Insecta, Danaidae, family Arctiidae, family Bombycidae, family Danaidae, family Gelechiidae, family Geometridae, family Lasiocampidae, family Lycaenidae, family Lymantriidae, family Noctuidae, family Nymphalidae, family Pieridae, family Pyralidae, family Pyralididae, family Saturniidae, family Sphingidae, family Tortricidae, Gelechiidae, Geometridae, Hexapoda, Insecta, Lasiocampidae, lepidopteran, lepidopteron, lepidopterous insect, Lycaenidae, Lymantriidae, Noctuidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Pyralidae, Pyralididae, Saturniidae, Sphingidae, superfamily Tineoidea, Tineoidea, Tortricidae
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