Hesperioidea

plural noun

Hes·​pe·​ri·​oi·​dea
(ˌ)heˌspirēˈȯidēə
: a superfamily of Lepidoptera comprising insects often considered butterflies but usually distinguished from the typical butterflies by the hooked tips of the widely separated antennae, peculiarities of the wing venation, and the erratic and often very swift flight see hesperiidae , megathymidae , skipper

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Hesperia + -oidea

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Cite this Entry

“Hesperioidea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hesperioidea. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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