microlepidopteran
9.9
Relating to very small moths
- adjective
- /ˌmaɪkroʊˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərən/
- Specialized
:
microlepidóptero
- The microlepidopteran family Tortricidae accounted for 27 of the species (31%).
Examples
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Many microlepidopteran moths are found in gardens, where they play a role in the ecosystem.
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The microlepidopteran species are often overlooked because of their tiny size.
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Scientists studied the microlepidopteran characteristics to learn more about their habitats.
Surface Forms
microlepidopteran positive
Morphology
microlepidopteran = lepidopteran (semi-transparent) = micro + lepidopter + an
The form is mostly compositional, but it belongs to specialized biological vocabulary rather than everyday transparent English.
Etymology
Microlepidopteran starts with micro- ('small') and continues with lepido- ('scale') and -ptera ('wing'), the same parts used for the names of butterflies and moths. So when something is described as microlepidopteran, it means it is about very small moths — a 'small scale-wing'.
