Scales provide a number of functions, which include insulation, thermoregulation, and aiding flight, amongst others, the most important of which is the large diversity of vivid or indistinct patterns they provide which help the organism protect itself by camouflage, mimicry, and to seek mates.

Scales are present on the bodies of various insects. A notable example are the Lepidoptera, the insect order comprising moths and butterflies, which have scales on their wings and on the head, parts of the thorax and abdomen, and parts of the genitalia.

Moths, like butterflies, belong to the order Lepidoptera, which means 'scale wing'. The scales are pigmented but they also contribute to the pattern on the wings by diffracting light through a …

The scales on moth wings can act as a barrier to block harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of damage to the moth's delicate wing tissues. This adaptation allows moths to spend more time flying during daylight hours without risking sunburn or other UV-related injuries.

Butterfly and moth scales are complex, fragile, structures that cover the wing of the insect. To remain attached, each scale snaps into an individual pocket-like slot. The scales observed from the wings range in size from 30-80 µm x 30-500 µm.

Common Name: Butterflies / Moths. Greek Origins of Name: Lepidoptera, derived from the Greek words “lepido” for scale and “ptera” for wings, refers to the flattened hairs (scales) that cover the body and wings of most adults.

Moths and butterflies form a large order of insects known as Lepidoptera. The name Lepidoptera is derived from the Greek word for “tile winged”, referring to the scales that coat the wings of butterflies and moths (see detail of Merveille du Jour moth above left).

Jan 3, 2025 · Most wings of butterflies and moths, or lepidopterans, are completely covered with a large number of common scales and fringed with marginal scales, which is the main feature specific to most lepidopteran wings. An adult wing with scales is …

Scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, suborder Sternorrhyncha. Of dramatically variable appearance and extreme sexual dimorphism, they comprise the infraorder Coccomorpha which is considered a more convenient grouping than the superfamily Coccoidea due to taxonomic uncertainties.

Nov 12, 2024 · The Lepidoptera consist of moths and butterflies. The name “Lepidoptera” means “scaly wings,” referring to the tiny, overlapping, and often colourful scales that cover the wings and entire bodies of adults. This is the second largest order of insects after the beetles.