[医] 鳞翅目

[ noun ]
moths and butterflies
<noun.animal>

Lepidoptera \Lep`i*dop"te*ra\ (-d[o^]p"t[-e]*r[.a]), n. pl.
[NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + ptero`n a feather,
wing.] (Zo["o]l.)
An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and
moths. They have broad wings, covered with minute overlapping
scales, usually brightly colored.

Note: They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by
the two slender maxill[ae]. The labial palpi are
usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can
be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles are
rudimentary. The larv[ae], called caterpillars, are
often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on
leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of
flowers.