lepidopterous

or lep·i·dop·ter·al

[ lep-i-dop-ter-uhs ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Lepidoptera, an order of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers, that in the adult state have four membranous wings more or less covered with small scales.

Other Words From

• nonlep·i·dopter·al adjective
• nonlep·i·dopter·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lepidopterous¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; Lepidopter(a) + -ous

Example Sentences

He became an authority on all things lepidopterous and spent thousands of hours in the field hoping to capture the beauty of butterflies with his cameras.

From Washington Post

"However, use of GM-based Bt resistance to pest insects would not have advanced so dramatically without advantages, not least a reduction in use of insecticides against the target lepidopterous insect larvae."

From BBC

I have named this insect to commemorate the exertions of Mr. Abbott, well known as having furnished the materials for that beautiful work the Lepidopterous Insects of Georgia, edited by Sir James Edward Smith.

From Project Gutenberg

The larvæ of many Saw-flies have, besides, prolegs, which are, however, always distinguishable from those of Lepidopterous larvæ by being more numerous and by having no hooks.

From Project Gutenberg

Many rare Lepidopterous larvæ may be obtained by the use of the beating net and by beating foliage over an umbrella.

From Project Gutenberg