Lepidoptera

Lepidoptera is a group of insects also known as butterflies. Taxonomically speaking, they are one of the largest orders within the class of insects.

Butterflies go through four stages of development. Caterpillars hatch from eggs and feed on plants. Caterpillars then form a cocoon, a process called pupation. Finally the adult butterfly emerges, which then feeds by taking up liquid food through its proboscis, usually nectar. 

Some caterpillars are specialists, eating only certain plant species. Specialist caterpillars may starve if they cannot find their target plant.

The lifespan of a butterfly ranges between one day and more than a year. Some butterflies travel long distances for foraging.

Some butterflies can be benefial insects, while others are considered pests. They are responsible for fertilising many flowering plants. The silk worm is another beneifical lepidopteran, used for the production of silk. Conversely, caterpillars are pests for most food crops, forestry products, and fibre crops.