any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera, typically having two pairs of wings covered with fragile scales, mouthparts specialized as a suctorial proboscis, and caterpillars as larvae: comprises the butterflies and moths
adjective Also: lepidopterous
of, relating to, or belonging to the order Lepidoptera
Word Origin for lepidopteran
C19: from New Latin lepidoptera, from lepido- + Greek pteron wing
Any of various insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by four large, flat, membranous wings covered with small scales. The larvae of lepidopterans are caterpillars. Lepidopterans include butterflies, moths, and skippers.
