Order Lepidoptera – butterflies & moths
Lepidoptera means “scale wing”
Traits:
- Overlapping scales cover their two pairs of large membranous wings, body & legs.
- Forewings usually larger than hind wings. Scales give color and texture.
- Adults of most species have sucking mouthparts, modified to form a long coiled tube, or proboscis, kept tucked under head when not in use.
- Larvae have chewing mouthparts and eat plants.
Moth photo by Lisa Robinson
Moths:
- At rest, hold wings either rooflike over the body, curled around body, or flat against the resting surface.
- Antennae are serrate or feathery and taper to a point.
- Most fly during night and have subdued colors.
Butterflies:
- At rest, hold wings together vertically over the body.
- Slender antennae with enlarged club at the tip.
- Fly during daytime
