What are the characteristics of Lepidoptera?

Lepidoptera are ‘typical’ insects, in that they have 4 wings, 6 legs, 2 antennae and a body divided into 3 sections – a head, thorax and abdomen. The leg and wings are attached to the thorax. In a few species of moths, the females have evolved to become wingless.

What is classified as a Lepidoptera?

Lepidoptera (/ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərə/ LEP-i-DOP-tər-ə, from Ancient Greek lepís “scale” + pterón “wing”) is an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans). The most apparent is the presence of scales that cover the bodies, wings, and a proboscis.

Where are Lepidoptera found?

Lepidopterans live on every continent except Antarctica. Though they are far more numerous and diversified in the tropics, some species survive at the limits of polar vegetation. There are many successful species in nearly every environment, from arid deserts and high mountaintops to marshes and tropical rainforests.

What is the life cycle of Lepidoptera?

Lepidoptera are Holometabolous, their life cycle consists of four phases: egg, multiple instars, pupa, and adult. “Complete metamorphosis” is the common term for this life cycle. Insect orders with this life cycle are grouped under the term Endopterygota because immatures never have visible wing buds.

What is a butterfly pupa called?

The pupa of butterflies is also called a chrysalis. Depending on the species, the pupa may suspended under a branch, hidden in leaves or buried underground. The pupa of many moths is protected inside a coccoon of silk. They will become the legs, wings, eyes and other parts of the adult butterfly.

How do you classify moths?

Moths are a paraphyletic group of insects that includes all members of the order Lepidoptera that are not butterflies, with moths making up the vast majority of the order. There are thought to be approximately 160,000 species of moth, many of which have yet to be described.

What is a butterfly egg?

Butterfly eggs are tiny, vary in color and may be round, cylindrical or oval. The female butterfly attaches the eggs to leaves or stems of plants that will also serve as a suitable food source for the larvae when they hatch. The larva, or caterpillar, that hatches from the egg is the second stage in the life cycle.

How can you identify a cocoon?

Determine if you have a moth or butterfly cocoon or chrysalis. Moth cocoons are brown, gray or other dark colors. Some moths incorporate dirt, feces, and small bits of twigs or leaves into the cocoon to camouflage themselves from predators. Butterfly chrysalids shine with a golden metallic color.

What makes a Lepidoptera different from other orders?

Lepidoptera are morphologically distinguished from other orders principally by the presence of scales on the external parts of the body and appendages, especially the wings.

What do the minute scales on a lepidopteran look like?

The wings, head, and parts of the thorax and abdomen of Lepidoptera are covered with minute scales, a feature from which the order derives its name.

Which is an order of insects that includes butterflies?

Order of insects including moths and butterflies. Lepidoptera (/ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərə/ LEP-i-DOP-tər-ə, from Ancient Greek lepís “scale” + pterón “wing”) is an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans).

Which is the most primitive group of lepidopterans?

However, venation patterns must be considered in terms of the evolution of these patterns from primitive to advanced conditions within individual phyletic lines. The most primitive groups tend to have the maximum number of veins and branches in each wing.