Definition

A group of insects that includes butterflies and moths, characterized by their large, often colorful wings and a life cycle that includes a caterpillar stage.

Example

The garden was filled with various species of lepidoptera, fluttering from flower to flower.

Conversation

Did you know that butterflies belong to the group called lepidoptera?

Really? I always thought they were just butterflies and moths.

Yeah, lepidoptera is a fascinating category of insects.

It is! I love learning about all the different species.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lepidoptera → It is formed from "lepido-" (from Greek "lepidos", meaning scale) and "ptera" (from Greek "pteron", meaning wing). The word refers to insects that have scaled wings, such as butterflies and moths.

Memory Tip

Imagine insects with 'scaled wings' — 'lepido-' means scale and 'ptera' means wing, helping you remember that lepidoptera refers to these winged creatures.

Visually Confused Words