Butterflies and moths
Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are one of only two types of insects to have wings covered in tiny scales. These are very delicate and give the wings their colour. The scales can also create iridescent effects. All butterflies and moths start life as a caterpillar, form a pupa, then emerge as a winged adult.
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Moth mayhem 
Wing display Family
Admirals, peacocks, monarchs and allies (Nymphalidae)Nymphalidae is a family of butterflies with over 5,000 species, many of which are brightly coloured. It includes some well known species such as the monarch, red admiral, peacock and painted lady.
Burnet moth (Zygaenidae)Burnet moths, unlike most others, come out in the daytime. Most are safe from attack by hungry birds because they taste horrible and are slightly poisonous - a fact that they advertise with their bright red or yellow wing spots.
Lycaenidae
Large blue butterfly (species)
Earth Explorers
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Eaten alive
What at first looks like a strange creature turns out to be a caterpillar playing host to some unwelcome guests.
About
Lepidoptera is an order of insects that includes moths and butterflies. It is one of the most speciose orders in the class Insecta, encompassing moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies, skipper butterflies, and moth-butterflies. Members of the order are referred to as lepidopterans.
The Lepidoptera have, over millions of years, evolved a wide range of wing patterns and colouration ranging from drab moths akin to the related order Trichoptera to the brightly coloured and complex-patterned butterflies. Accordingly, this is the most recognised and popular of insect orders with many people involved in the observing, study, collecting, rearing and commerce of these insects. A person who collects or studies this order is referred to as a lepidopterist. Many species of the order are of economic interest by virtue of the silk they produce, or being pests, or due to the pollination they carry out.
This order has more than 180,000 species in 128 families and 47 superfamilies. The name is derived from Ancient Greek λεπίδος (scale) and πτερόν (wing). Estimates of species suggest that the order may have more species and is among the four largest, successful orders, along with the Hymenoptera, Diptera, and the Coleoptera.
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Scientific Classification
Order: Lepidoptera
Other Insecta
- Ants, bees and wasps (Hymenoptera)
- Beetles (Coleoptera)
- Damselflies and dragonflies (Odonata)
- Diptera (genus: Fungus gnats)
- Grasshoppers, crickets and allies (Orthoptera)
- Hemiptera (genus: Periodical cicadas)
- Lacewings and relatives (Neuroptera)
- Stick insects (Phasmatodea)
- Termites (Isoptera)
Elsewhere on the web
- Lepidoptera (animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu)
- Lepidoptera (wikipedia.org)
Site links
BBC links
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