Order - LEPIDOPTERA
(Greek, lepid = scale; pteron = wing)
Common Names: moths and butterflies
Distribution: Cosmopolitan
Suborders: Zeugloptera and Glossata

Description
Most species within the Lepidoptera are readily distinguished by the characteristic coiled proboscis used for nectar feeding. Large compound eyes and simple eyes (ocelli) are frequently present. Two pairs of wings are present and these are often brilliantly coloured or have spectacular patterns or shapes. The colours are produced by minute scales which cover the wing surface and give rise to the order name.

At rest, moths usually carry their wings spread flat or held together to resemble the sloping sides of a house roof; butterflies usually carry their wings held flat together over the body. Butterflies are more active during the day while moths are more active from dusk and onwards into the night hours. The antennae are smooth and terminate in small clubs in all butterflies, while in moths, the antennae are usually comb or brush-like. Mating in most species involves sex scents (pheromones) to attract the males to the females.

Larva
The life cycle always involves metamorphosis from egg to larva (caterpillar) to pupa and finally adult insect. The pupa or chrysalis may be protected by a cocoon of silk threads or be naked and simply suspended from a leaf or stem.

Members
Moths, butterflies.

Food
Living plant tissue is most commonly eaten by most caterpillars. However, some species are predators (for example one species infests green tree ant nests in tropical Australia) and still others are scavengers on such materials as wool. Adults are mostly nectar feeding but will also take honeydew or sugar rich plant exudates. Some species are known to use nitrogenous animal wastes.

Importance
Both moths and butterflies are extremely important as pollinators, and they also form a very useful part of the food chains of insectivores (spiders, birds, geckoes, etc.). Various species are extremely important pests and cause large amounts of damage to various crops: bananas, cacao (cocoa), citrus, coconut, coffee, maize, potato, rice, sugar cane and tomato.