lepidopterous

American  

[lep-i-dop-ter-uhs] / ˌlɛp ɪˈdɒp tər əs /

Or lepidopteral

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonlepidopteral adjective
• nonlepidopterous adjective

Etymology

Origin of lepidopterous

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

Example Sentences

One of several lepidopterous insects which construct, in the larval state, a baglike case which they carry about for protection.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Webster, Noah

Its most deadly enemy in the insect world is a small insect of the lepidopterous variety, which is known as the coffee-leaf miner.

From All About Coffee by Ukers, William H. (William Harrison)

Grape vines are subject to the attacks of many lepidopterous insects.

From American Pomology Apples by Warder, J. A.

Salamis, sal′a-mis, n. a genus of lepidopterous insects.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Darwin was well aware of the power of individual colour adjustment, now known to be possessed by large numbers of lepidopterous pupae and larvae.

From Darwin and Modern Science by Seward, A. C. (Albert Charles)