Definition of lepidopteran
: any of a large order (Lepidoptera) of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usually covered with minute overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars
lepidopteran
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Recent Examples of lepidopteran from the Web
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Mothra Mothra‘s enormous lepidopteran, unveiled onscreen in 1961, combines traits of both butterflies and moths.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lepidopteran'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of lepidopteran
New Latin Lepidoptera, from lepid- + Greek pteron wing — more at feather
First Known Use: circa 1901
Learn More about lepidopteran
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lepidopteran
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