While technically part of the same order, they are often distinguished by these general traits: Lepidoptera 101 - Irvine Nature Center
Lepidoptera is the massive order of insects that includes . The name comes from the Greek lepidos (scale) and ptera (wing), referring to the microscopic, overlapping scales that cover their bodies and wings like shingles. With roughly 180,000 described species , they make up 10% of all known living organisms, making them the second-largest insect order after beetles. 🧬 Biological Characteristics lepidoptera
They are holometabolous, meaning they go through a complete life cycle : Egg → Larva (Caterpillar) → Pupa (Chrysalis/Cocoon) → Adult (Imago) . 🦋 Butterflies vs. Moths While technically part of the same order, they
Most adults have a coiled, straw-like tube used to sip nectar and other liquids. These scales provide color (via pigments or structural
These scales provide color (via pigments or structural light refraction ), insulation, and help with thermoregulation .
They "taste" with olfactory organs on their feet and navigate using compound eyes that can detect polarized light .
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