lepidoptera

2 definitions found

lepidoptera - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Lepidoptera \Lep`i*dop"te*ra\ (-d[o^]p"t[-e]*r[.a]), n. pl.
     [NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + ptero`n a feather,
     wing.] (Zool.)
     An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and
     moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping
     scales, usually brightly colored.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by
           the two slender maxill[ae]. The labial palpi are
           usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can
           be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles are
           rudimentary. The larv[ae], called caterpillars, are
           often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on
           leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of
           flowers.
           [1913 Webster] Lepidopteral

lepidoptera - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  Lepidoptera
      n 1: moths and butterflies [syn: Lepidoptera, order Lepidoptera
           ]