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