Summary ²

Lepidoptera (/ˌlɛpɨˈdɒptərə/ lep-i-DOP-tər-ə) is a large order of insects that includes moths and butterflies (both called lepidopterans). It is one of the most widespread and widely recognizable insect orders in the world, encompassing moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies, skipper butterflies, and moth-butterflies. The term was coined by Linnaeus in 1735 and is derived from Ancient Greek λεπίδος (scale) and πτερόν (wing). Comprising an estimated 174,250 species, in 126 families and 46 superfamilies, the Lepidoptera...

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Moayed Salim Bahajjaj, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/70939559@N02/7190043636
2. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidoptera

More Info

• iNaturalistAU taxon page
• Atlas of Living Australia
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• BOLD Systems Taxonomy Search
• BugGuide
• Butterflies and Moths of North America
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• Maryland Moths
• Moths and Butterflies of Europe and North Africa
• North American Moth Photographers Group

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