Lepidoptera are an order of insects that includes moths and butterflies. They are characterized by scales covering their wings and bodies. Moths and butterflies undergo a complete life cycle from egg to caterpillar to pupa to adult. Larval lepidopterans are polypod caterpillars found in terrestrial habitats. Most larvae eat plants but some are carnivorous. Adults generally feed on nectar. There are about 150,000 described species classified into families like Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, and Saturniidae. Common moth families include Tineidae, Saturniidae, and Arctiidae.

1. Lepidopteran
insects
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C o l l e g e o f A g r i c u l t u r a l S c i e n c e s ( C A S ) 1

2. Lepidoptera
The Lepidoptera is an order of insects that includes moths and butterflies (both
are called lepidopterans)
Lepidoptera species are characterized by more than three derived features,
some of the most apparent being the scales covering their bodies and wings,
and a proboscis.
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3. Etymology of Lepidoptera
Comes from Greek language:
- Lepido means “Scale”
- Ptera meaning “Wing”
This makes sense because the insects in this order all have wings in their adult
stage and the scales refer to the small flakes that coats the wings of these
insects.
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4. General Characteristics
Two pair of membranous (transparent) wings that are covered with tiny scales
which give color, rigidity and strength.
Large compound eyes that consists of many light-sensitive lens, each
with its own refractive system and each forming its own portion of the image
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5. General Characteristics
One ocelli ( simple eye) with simple lens, present above each eye.
Antennae present.
- Butterflies generally have Clavate antennae.
Sometimes Clubbed.
Mouth parts are formed into a sucking tube
known as proboscis by elongation of galeae
i.e Siphoning type.
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6. Life Cycle of Lepidoptera
Moths and butterflies undergo a complete life cycle
- Egg
- Caterpillar ( Larvae)
- Pupae
- Adult
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7. Life Cycle of Lepidoptera
A female may lay only a few eggs or tens of thousands
After the caterpillars hatch, they usually develop through 4 to 7 instars over
a period of a few weeks.
When the caterpillar is ready to pupate they generally find shelter to spin
their cocoons
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8. Lepidoptera Larvae – Distinguishing Characteristics
Larval lepidopterans are polypods (caterpillars) and found in a variety of
terrestrial habitats.
Chewing mouthparts: to feed on plant materials.
Mostly are regarded as serious agricultural pests.
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9. Beautiful But Destructive
The larvae of these insects are destructive to crops and forest trees because
they eat plants in this stage
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10. Feeding Habits
Most larvae of moths and butterflies are neroivores
- Either eating foliage or wood
Some are carnivorous
- Eating other caterpillars
- Feeding on soft bodied insects
Adult are generally nectar feeders
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11. Common Members of Lepidoptera
Butterflies have clubbed antennas and the habit of holding their wings
vertically when at rest
Months sit with their wings flat
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Butterfly vs. Moth

12. Why are butterflies so colorful?
Sometimes the colors are bright and are intended to warn away potential
predators.
This indicates that they taste bad to a predator
Others times the bright colors are meant to attract mates
Some are colored to look very much like a food plant in order to help the
insect hide.
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13. Classification
About 150000 species of living lepidoptera have been described in
approximately 124 families.
- Have 4 sub – orders :-
1. Zeugloptera
2. Aglossata
3. Glossata
4. Heterobathmiina
Some scientists divide order into 2 suborders:-
1. Ditrysia (Majority of lepidopetrans i.e 97%)
2. Monotrysia (Remaining 3%)
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14. Some common families of butterflies
1. Family :- Nymphalidae (Brush footed butterflies)
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Forelegs are short, functionless, hairy and folded on thorax.
Larva is with many processes pr spines on the body e.g. Painted lady butterflies

15. Some common families of butterflies
2. Family :- Lycaenidae (Blues, coppers, hair streaks)
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Compound eyes are white rimmed
Antennae are with white rings
Upper wing surface is either metallic blue or coppery.
Larvae are flattened with retractile head. E.g. Blue butterflies

16. Some common families of butterflies
3. Family :- Papilionidae (Swallow tails)
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Often large and brightly colored.
Prothoracic legs have tibial epiphysis.
Larval body is either smooth or with tubercles.

17. Some common families of butterflies
4. Family :- Pieridae (White and sulphur butterflies)
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They are white or yellow or orange colored with black markings
Larva is green, elongate and covered with fine hairs.
Larval body segment have annulates. E.g. Cabbage butterflies

18. Some common families of butterflies
5. Family :- Danaidae (Milkweed butterflies)
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Also known as brush-footed butterflies
Most of the spp are found in tropical Asia and Africa
Adults are aposematic.

19. Some common families of moths
1. Family :- Tineidae (Cloth moths)
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Small moths with large maxillary palps
Caterpillars feed on wool, furs, feathers and other organic products causing
considerable damage to fabrics
They produce a weblike mass over fabrics as they feed.

20. Some common families of moths
2. Family :- Saturniidae (giant silk moths)
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They are large sized moths
Antennae is bipectinate
Larva is stout and smooth with scoli
Cocoon is dense and firm. E.g. Tussor silk worm

21. Some common families of moths
3. Family :- Bombycidae (Silk worm moths)
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Antenna is bipectinate
Pupation occurs in dense silken cocoon. E.g. Mulberry silk worm

22. Some common families of moths
4. Family :- Arctiidae (Tiger moths)
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Wings are conspicuously spotted or banded.
They are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Larva is either sparsely hairy or densely hair. E.g. Black hairy caterpillar

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