order Lepidoptera

5.6

A group of insects that includes butterflies and moths with scaly wings

noun
/ˈɔrdər ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərə/

Specialized

: orden Lepidoptera

The order Lepidoptera includes both butterflies and moths, which are known for their scaly wings.

Examples

Many species in the order Lepidoptera play important roles in pollinating plants.
Researchers study the order Lepidoptera to understand patterns of mimicry and evolution.
The order Lepidoptera includes thousands of species.
Many scientists study the order Lepidoptera for biodiversity.
Many species in the order Lepidoptera play important roles in pollinating plants.
Researchers study the order Lepidoptera to understand patterns of mimicry and evolution.
The order Lepidoptera includes both butterflies and moths, which are known for their scaly wings.

Synonyms

Lepidoptera

vsorder Lepidoptera

Specialized

1 9.9

A group of insects like butterflies and moths with tiny scales on their wings

is the same description but uses group phrasing and plain scales

Surface Forms

order Lepidoptera singular

orders Lepidoptera plural

Morphology

order + Lepidoptera

Given 'order' as a taxonomic rank and 'Lepidoptera' as the name of the insect group, the phrase simply denotes the taxonomic group called Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). This is a directly compositional, domain-specific but predictable combination following standard naming patterns, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand the meaning.

Etymology

The name order Lepidoptera comes from Greek words: lepido- means 'scale' and -ptera means 'wing'. Because butterflies and moths have tiny 'scales' on their 'wings', the phrase became the scientific 'group' name for these insects.