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Lepidoptera

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Butterflies and moths: insects with two pairs of wings covered in tiny, overlapping scales that produce their color and pattern, and, in most species, a coiled, tube-like proboscis used to drink nectar. Lepidoptera larvae (caterpillars) are among the most significant plant-feeding insects in most terrestrial ecosystems.

Facts
Disputed
Member Species/Taxa Count
180,000 1
Approximate described-species (or, for a genus, described-taxon) count; continually revised as species are newly described, reclassified or synonymized.
Taxonomic Rank
Order 1
Scientific Name
Lepidoptera 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

Child Taxon Of

Insecta, Taxa
Sources
1. Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeView the Source
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