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Characteristics of Butterflies and Moths, Order Lepidoptera Free Insects Newsletter!

By Debbie Hadley, About.com Guide
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The name Lepidoptera means “scale wings.” Take a close look at

the wings of these insects and you will see overlapping scales, like
shingles on a roof. The order Lepidoptera includes butterflies and
moths, and is the second largest group in the insect world.

Description:

The scaly wings of Lepidopteran insects come in two pairs and are
Viewed up close, a butterfly
often quite colorful. To identify a specific butterfly or moth, you will wing reveals its scales.
usually need to look at the colors and unique markings on the Photo: © Flickr user rougenair
wings. Insects in this group have large compound eyes. Above each
compound eye is a simple eye called an ocellus. Adult Lepidoptera have mouthparts formed into a sucking tube, or proboscis, which is used to drink
nectar. The larvae, commonly called caterpillars, have chewing mouthparts and are herbivorous. Butterflies and moths can be differentiated by looking at
the shape of their antennae.

To find out more, read Differences Between Butterflies and Moths.

Habitat and Distribution:

Butterflies and moths live in a variety of land habitats on every continent except Antarctica. Their distribution is dependent on their food source. Habitat
must provide the appropriate host plants for the caterpillars, and good nectar sources for the adults.

Major Families in the Order:

Nymphalidae - brushfooted butterflies

Papillionidae – swallowtails
Hesperiidae – skippers
Saturniidae - giant silk moths
Lymantriidae - tussock moths
Noctuidae - loopers, owlet moths, and underwings

Species of Interest:

Danaus plexippus, the monarch butterfly, is the only butterfly in the world to migrate in two directions.
Ornithoptera alexandrae (Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing) is the world’s largest butterfly, with a wingspan of up to 12 inches.
Bombyx mori is no longer found in the wild. The Silkworm moth has been bred in captivity for thousands of years.
Actias luna, the Luna moth, is one of the most beautiful and colorful moths. It is a common moth in the eastern U.S.

Related Searches Butterflies And Moths Silk Moths Differences Between Butterflies And Moths Tussock Moths Danaus Plexippus
Lepidopteran Insects

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