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Butterflies and months make up the Lepidoptera. The term ‘Lepidoptera’ means
‘scale wing’, coming from the Greek ‘lepis’ meaning scale, and ‘ptera’ meaning
wing. Lepidopteran wings are covered with microscopic scales. Members of this
order have four membranous wings,, the hind wings are smaller than the
forewings. The mouth parts are adapted for sucking, known as the proboscis,
usually seen in the form of a coiled tube.
The moths usually have feathery antennae, and are usually rest with their
wings open, in either a flat or tented position over the body. Butterflies have
thin antennae with clubbed-like end.
Skippers also belong
to the order, Lepidoptera.
There are thought to be about 130 families in this order, but
opinions frequently change among Lepidoperists as to which these are. Butterflies are grouped into 5 families, with moths grouped in
about 125 families world wide, of which
82 families of moths are found in Australia.
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