Lepidoptera: Butterflies and Moths

Category: Environment → Zoology → Insect Taxonomy

What is Lepidoptera?

Lepidoptera is an insect order comprising:

  • Butterflies

  • Moths

The name refers to their characteristic scale-covered wings.

Life Cycle

They undergo complete metamorphosis:

Egg → Larva/Caterpillar → Pupa → Adult

Characteristics

  • Two pairs of wings

  • Wing scales

  • Adults generally possess a coiled proboscis.

  • Caterpillars generally have chewing mouthparts.

UPSC Key Pointer

Lepidoptera = Butterflies + Moths + Complete metamorphosis