lepidopteran

noun

: 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 adjective

Examples of lepidopteran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When lepidopterans land directly on a flower, pollen naturally sticks to their bodies. Max G. Levy, WIRED, 27 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, researchers want to expand the use of RNA pesticides to lepidopterans, which include major moth pests such as corn borers and the fall armyworm. Byerik Stokstad, science.org, 27 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Lepidoptera, from lepid- + Greek pteron wing — more at feather

First Known Use

circa 1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lepidopteran was circa 1901

Dictionary Entries Near lepidopteran

Cite this Entry

“Lepidopteran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lepidopteran. Accessed 18 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

lepidopteran

noun
: any of a large order of insects that include the butterflies, moths, and skippers and that as adults have four wings usually covered with minute overlapping often brightly colored scales and as larvae are caterpillars
lepidopteran adjective

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