There are a large number of butterflies and moths worldwide. These insects derive their name from Greek words meaning scale (lepidos) and wing (pteron). Hence the name Lepidoptera.

 

Note the scales on the wing below.

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Let's take a look at both moths and butterflies and their relatives. If you are curious, butterflies also have a fossil record.

Classification is often used interchangeably with identification. They are vastly different.

 

Identification is the process of comparing a found specimen with descriptions and pictures/ photos until a likely match is found. One then reads more about the biology and verifies the match (or continues searching).

 

Classification is the process where a trained scientist examines all members of a group and sorts them into what they perceive are species (members of a population capable of producing viable offspring). They often confirm this with DNA analyses today. If there are outliers, the scientist reviews many characteristics to ascertain whether the outliers are unusual members of a given species or a new species.