Lepidoptera

 
Pronunciation: /ˌlɛpɪˈdɒpt(ə)rə/

plural noun

Entomology
  • an order of insects that comprises the butterflies and moths. They have four large scale-covered wings that bear distinctive markings, and larvae that are caterpillars.
  • (lepidoptera) insects of the Lepidoptera order: the larvae of a number of lepidoptera feed on the leaves

Derivatives

lepidopteran

adjective & noun

lepidopterous

adjective

Origin:

modern Latin (plural), from Greek lepis, lepid- 'scale' + pteron 'wing'