The scientific name of the order, Lepidoptera, is derived from one of their main characteristics, namely their having wings covered in tiny scales (from the Greek lepidos = scale and pteron = wing). ... Most butterflies and moths feed through a specialised tube formed by some of the mouthparts, known as a proboscis.

Are moths part of Lepidoptera?

lepidopteran, (order Lepidoptera), any of about 180,000 species of butterflies, moths, and skippers. This order of insects is second in size only to Coleoptera, the beetles.

Is a Butterfly a Lepidoptera?

Lepidoptera (/ˌlɛpɪˈdɒptərə/ LEP-i-DOP-tər-ə, from Ancient Greek lepís “scale” + ptera “wings”) is an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans). ... Almost all species have some form of membranous wings, except for a few that have reduced wings or are wingless.