LEPIDOPTERA

Lepidoptera, order Lepidoptera

(noun) moths and butterflies

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Noun

lepidoptera

plural of lepidopteron

Source: Wiktionary


Lep`i*dop"te*ra, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)

Definition: 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 maxillæ. 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 larvæ, called caterpillars, are often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of flowers.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

11 January 2025

COWBERRY

(noun) low evergreen shrub of high north temperate regions of Europe and Asia and America bearing red edible berries


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Coffee Trivia

Coffee dates back to the 9th century. Goat herders in Ethiopia noticed their goats seem to be “dancing” after eating berries from a particular shrub. They reported it to the local monastery, and a monk made a drink out of it. The monk found out he felt energized and kept him awake at night. That’s how the first coffee drink was born.

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