The
Lepidoptera ( ) is an
order of
insects that includes
moths and
butterflies (both called
lepidopterans). 180,000 species of Lepidoptera are described, in 126
families and 46
superfamilies, 10% of the total described species of living organisms. It is one of the most widespread and widely recognizable insect orders in the world, encompassing moths and the three superfamilies of butterflies,
skipper butterflies, and
moth-butterflies. The term was coined by
Linnaeus in 1735 and is derived from
Ancient Greek (scale) and (wing). the Lepidoptera show many variations of the basic body structure that have evolved to gain advantages in lifestyle and distribution. Recent estimates suggest the order may have more species than earlier thought, and is among the four most orders, along with the
Hymenoptera,
Diptera, and
Coleoptera.