Order Lepidoptera (Moths and Butterflies)
Lepidoptera, the name for the Order than includes Butterflies and Moths, translates to "Scaley Wings." These often beautiful and frequently amazing flyers have wings made of a thin membrane, strengthened by veins and cross-veins, and coated with tiny scales and sometimes hairs. It is the scales that give Butterflies their colors. Below are some close-up pictures of various parts of the wing of an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly (Papilio glaucus), showing the scales and veins. Click an image to enlarge.
Family Nymphalidae (Brushfooted Butterflies)
Family Papilionidae (Swallowtails, Parnassians)
Family Pieridae (Whites, Sulphurs, Yellows)
Family Sphingidae (Hawk Moths)
Family Hesperiidae (Skippers)
Family Lycaenidae (Blues, Coppers, Hairstreaks, Harvesters)