Lepidoptera Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the classification of Lepidoptera?

Endopterygota-Neoptera

Holometabola

Both A and B (correct)

None of the above

What is the sister group of Lepidoptera?

Trichoptera

What does the name Lepidoptera derive from?

Scaly wings

What are the common names associated with Lepidoptera?

Butterflies, moths, skippers Signup and view all the answers

How many species of Lepidoptera are there worldwide?

112,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is a general characteristic of adult Lepidoptera?

Siphoning mouthparts, functional mandibles absent, 2 pairs of wings covered with scales. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of immature Lepidoptera?

Chewing mouthparts, prolegs bearing crochets. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of butterfly antennae?

Slender with knobbed tips Signup and view all the answers

Describe the antennae of moths.

Usually filiform, setaceous, pectinate, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of skipper antennae?

Slender with enlarged, hooked tips Signup and view all the answers

How do Lepidoptera pupate?

In silken cocoons, in earthen cells, as chrysalids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the life cycle of Lepidoptera?

Varies from 1 generation per year to 1 generation every 2-3 years. Signup and view all the answers

How do Lepidoptera overwinter?

Usually as mature larvae or pupae. Signup and view all the answers

What are some taxonomic characters of Lepidoptera?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the habitat of adult Lepidoptera?

Mostly terrestrial Signup and view all the answers

What do adult Lepidoptera primarily eat?

Suck nectar, some imbibe only water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a classification scheme for Lepidoptera based on body size?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the suborder Rhopalocera?

Antennae alike in both sexes and form a club. Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the suborder Heterocera?

Antennae not apically clubbed. Signup and view all the answers

What is a jugum in Lepidoptera?

Lobe from metathoracic wing that joins to mesothoracic wing. Signup and view all the answers

What does frenulum refer to in Lepidoptera?

A single or group of spines on the meta wing that attaches to the meso wing. Signup and view all the answers

What does heteroneurous venation describe?

Both A and B Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lepidoptera Classification

Classified under Endopterygota-Neoptera and Holometabola.
Sister group to Trichoptera.

Name and Common Name

"Lepidoptera" translates to "scaly wings."
Common names include butterflies, moths, and skippers.

Species Diversity

Approximately 112,000 species worldwide.
North America is home to about 11,286 species.

General Characteristics: Adults

Possess siphoning mouthparts; some retain functional mandibles.
Typically have two well-developed wings covered with scales.
Lack an ovipositor.

General Characteristics: Immatures

Characterized by chewing mouthparts and prolegs that bear crochets.

Antennae Structure

Butterfly antennae are slender with knobbed tips.
Moth antennae are usually filiform, setaceous, or pectinate.
Skipper antennae are slender with enlarged, hooked tips.

Thorax and Abdomen Characteristics

Butterflies typically exhibit delicate and small thorax and abdomen relative to wing size.
Moths and skippers generally possess stout or robust thorax and abdomen, larger relative to wing size.

Pupation Process

Occurs in various environments: within silken cocoons, earthen cells, or as chrysalids.

Life Cycle

Completion time varies from one generation per year to one generation every two to three years.

Overwintering Strategies

Different life stages overwinter, typically as mature larvae or pupae; some in egg stage, very few as adults.

Taxonomic Identification

Identified via wing venation, tympanal hood, and labial palps.

Habitat Preferences

Adult Lepidoptera are predominantly terrestrial.
Larval habitats vary by species.

Feeding Behavior

Adults primarily suck nectar, with some only imbibing water, while others may not feed at all.
Larvae are mostly phytophagous, with various feeding habits noted.

Classification Schemes

First scheme divides based on antennae into two suborders: Rhopalocera (club horn) and Heterocera (different horn).
Second scheme classifies by body size into Microlepidoptera (small-bodied) and Macrolepidoptera (large-bodied).
Third scheme categorizes based on wing coupling and venation, divided into Jugate or Homoneura and Frenatae or Heteroneura.

Jugate Characteristics

Jugate suborder shows presence of a jugum; fore and hind wing venation is similar.

Frenulate Characteristics

Frenatae suborder displays a frenulum connecting fore and hind wings with modified venation.

Venation Types

Homoneurous venation shows equality in fore and hind wing vein count.
Heteroneurous venation features varying vein structure, notably a simpler hind wing design compared to the forewing.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Lepidoptera with these flashcards. Learn about their classification, sister groups, name derivation, common names, and the number of species. Perfect for entomology enthusiasts and students alike!