lepidopteran

[ lep-i-dop-ter-uhn ]

adjective

1. lepidopterous.

noun

1. a lepidopterous insect.

lepidopteran

/ ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərən /

noun

1. any of numerous insects of the order Lepidoptera, typically having two pairs of wings covered with fragile scales, mouthparts specialized as a suctorial proboscis, and caterpillars as larvae: comprises the butterflies and moths

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the order Lepidoptera

lepidopteran

/ lĕp′ĭ-dŏp′tər-ən /

1. Any of various insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by four large, flat, membranous wings covered with small scales. The larvae of lepidopterans are caterpillars. Lepidopterans include butterflies, moths, and skippers.

Other Words From

• nonlep·i·dopter·an adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lepidopteran¹

First recorded in 1850–55; Lepidopter(a) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of lepidopteran¹

C19: from New Latin lepidoptera, from lepido- + Greek pteron wing

Example Sentences

He sold some of the dried lepidoptera specimens through an eBay account under the name “limmerleps,” pocketing tens of thousands of dollars.

From Seattle Times

The six-count indictment against Limmer, 75, accuses him of working with overseas collaborators to smuggle some 1,000 lepidoptera, including some of the rarest and most endangered moths and butterflies in the world.

From Seattle Times

An analysis of the lepidopteran family tree suggested that the PKF genes were transferred multiple times from the viruses to the lepidopterans.

From Science Magazine

At times, it was so hot that Pomerantz, an integrative biologist at the University of California, Berkeley, struggled to keep his own sweat from contaminating his delicate lepidopteran samples.

From Science Magazine

I picture myself joining the enthusiasts who pursue butterflies and moths — or lepidoptera — the way others do constellations or red-winged blackbirds.

From Washington Post