The name Lepidoptera is derived from the Greek, meaning “scaly winged ,” and refers to the characteristic covering of microscopic dustlike scales on the wings.
What makes a Lepidoptera a Lepidoptera?
The scientific name of the order, Lepidoptera, is derived from one of their main characteristics, namely their having wings covered in tiny scales (from the Greek lepidos = scale and pteron = wing). Indeed, it is these coloured scales which give them their patterns. These scales are specially modified flattened hairs.
What does Lepidoptera mean in Latin?
[From New Latin Lepidoptera, order name : lepido- + Greek ptera, pl. of pteron, wing, winged creature ; see -pter.]
What is a butterfly pupa called?
The pupa of butterflies is also called a chrysalis . Depending on the species, the pupa may suspended under a branch, hidden in leaves or buried underground. The pupa of many moths is protected inside a coccoon of silk. ... They will become the legs, wings, eyes and other parts of the adult butterfly.
What are lepidopteran pests?
Lepidopteran pests such as diamond-back moth (DBM) on cabbage (Plutella xylostella), fruit borer on tomato (Helicoverpa armigera), pod borer on chilli (Spodoptera litura), shoot and fruit borers on brinjal (Leucinodes orbonalis) and okra (Earias fabia) are among the major pests of vegetables.
What does Hymenoptera mean in Greek?
Hymenoptera is one of the largest orders of insects and includes many species of bees, wasps, hornets, sawflies, and ants. The word Hymenoptera is derived from the ancient Greek words for hymen, meaning membrane, and pteron, translated to wing .
What does Lepidoptera mean in English?
Medical Definition of lepidoptera
1 capitalized : a large order of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usually covered with overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars. 2 : insects of the order Lepidoptera.
What is unique about Lepidoptera?
Lepidopteran species are characterized by more than three derived features. The most apparent is the presence of scales that cover the bodies, wings, and a proboscis . The scales are modified, flattened “hairs”, and give butterflies and moths their wide variety of colors and patterns.
What is a group of butterflies called?
A cluster of butterflies is called a roost or a bivouac . Monarchs migrate alone.
What are two benefits of Lepidoptera?
In most land environments the lepidopterans are ecologically important because they transform large amounts of plant matter into animal matter and in turn serve as food for many other groups of animals.
Which butterfly stage eats the fastest?
Caterpillar . This is the main feeding stage of the butterfly. Caterpillars eat almost constantly and grow very quickly, at an astonishing rate.
What is larva of butterfly?
Complete answer: Larvae of the butterfly are also known as caterpillars . ... The butterfly undergoes a process called metamorphosis via four developmental stages i.e. egg, larva, pupa, and adult. – Egg: Adult female butterfly lays eggs on the plant which will then become the food for the hatching caterpillars.
Is Butterfly a pest?
We always consider butterflies are useful insects. Yes , they are but there are few butterflies which are pests to few food plants. In India there are 15 species of butterflies which are recorded as pests.
What is Lepidopterophobia?
Lepidopterophobia is the fear of butterflies or moths . While some people may have a mild fear of these insects, a phobia is when you have an excessive and irrational fear that interferes with your daily life. Lepidoterophobia is pronounced lep-ah-dop-ter-a-pho-bee-ah.
At what stage is a butterfly a pest?
Butterfly’s life cycle consists of four parts: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa and adult. The second stage in its life cycle i.e caterpillar is considered to be a pest to farmers.
