  lepidoptera ( ) is a large order of insects that includes moths and butterflies (both called lepidopterans). 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). comprising an estimated 174,250 species, in 126 families and 46 superfamilies, the lepidoptera show many variations of the basic body structure that have evolved to gain advantages in lifestyle and distribution. recent estimates suggest that the order may have more species than earlier thought,{{cite book |editor= z.-q. zhang & w. a. shear |year=2007 |title= linnaeus tercentenary: progress in invertebrate taxonomy (zootaxa:1668) |publisher=magnolia press|isbn=978-0-12-690647-9 |url=http://www.lepidoptera.ee/images/lingid/zootaxa1668p699.
Insect_orders Lepidoptera Pollinators