Glossary of Lepidopteran terms

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This article provides a list of terms used in the formal descriptions of butterfly species.

[edit] Terms connected with the wing

• Apical : the anterior corner of the wing
• Base/Basal area of wing : region close to the point of attachment to the thorax
• Cell : the central area surrounded by veins

The cells are spaces formed by the crisscrossing of the veins. They can be "open" (extending to the margin of the wing) or "closed" (delimited only by veins). [Terminology]

• Costa or Costal area of wing : The leading edge of the wing
• Disc or Discal area of wing : The central band passing through the cell
• Dorsum : trailing edge of wing
• Eyespot or Occelli : spots resembling mammalian eyes. Can also be used to refer to simple eyes.
• Terminal and marginal spots
• Termen : the edge of the wing most distant from the body
• Tornus or Tornal area of wing : the posterior corner of the wing
• Vein : hollow structures formed from the coupling of the upper and lower walls of the wing. They provide both rigidity and flexiblility during flight. [More] [Terminology]

[edit] Terms connected with the head and body

• Antennae

Long feelers situated close to the eyes of butterflies. In Papilionoidea the antennae end in bulging tips called clubs, whereas in Hesperioidea they have hooked tips and the club is found just before the tip. [More]

• Brand
• Cremaster : most butterfly pupae are attached to a surface by a silken pad spun by the caterpillar and a set of hooks (cremaster) at the tip of the pupal abdomen.
• Labial palpi or Palpi
• Osmeterium : fleshy structure on some larvae, often discharging odorous chemicals
• Spiracle : respiratory openings on the thorax and abdomen that allow air to enter the trachea. [More]
• Stigma (plural Stigmata) : prominent cells on the forewings of some moths. Their size, shape and colour can be useful in identifying some species.