lepidopteran

American  

[lep-i-dop-ter-uhn] / ˌlɛp ɪˈdɒp tər ən /

adjective

1. lepidopterous.

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noun

1. a lepidopterous insect.

lepidopteran British  

/ ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərən /

noun

1. 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

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the order Lepidoptera

lepidopteran Scientific  

/ lĕp′ĭ-dŏp′tər-ən /

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonlepidopteran adjective

Etymology

Origin of lepidopteran

First recorded in 1850–55; Lepidopter(a) + -an

Example Sentences

Moths and butterflies have long fallen victim to two deadly threats: parasitic wasps and viruses, which battle each other over their lepidopteran hosts.

From Science Magazine • Jul. 29, 2021

An analysis of the lepidopteran family tree suggested that the PKF genes were transferred multiple times from the viruses to the lepidopterans.

From Science Magazine • Jul. 29, 2021

It is part angel, part lepidopteran, part Rorschach inkblot.

From The Guardian • Dec. 6, 2018

In "Blue Butterfly," she suggests the patterned wings of some fantastical lepidopteran by symmetrically doubling an image of crumpled newspaper, Rorschach-style.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 19, 2012

Its winged roof is responsible for its nickname, "The Butterfly House," and it truly looks as though the building is about to lift off like the yellow lepidopteran fluttering nearby.

From Time Magazine Archive