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 Trichop...
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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...
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