Eulepidoptera represents a major clade within the infraorderHeteroneura, encompassing the vast majority of moth and butterfly species. It includes both primitive lineages such asIncurvariina andEtimonotrysia, as well as the highly diverseDitrysia, which alone accounts for approximately 98% of alldescribedLepidoptera species.[1] Members of Eulepidoptera are characterized by advanced wing coupling mechanisms, specialized larval stages, and a broad range of ecological roles, including pollination and agricultural pest activity.[2] The evolutionary success of this clade is often attributed to its adaptability, co-evolution with flowering plants, and complex life cycles. Eulepidoptera was formally described by Kiriakoff in 1948 and remains a central focus in lepidopteran systematics and biodiversity research.
| Eulepidoptera | |
|---|---|
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| Kamehameha | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Clade: | Neolepidoptera |
| Infraorder: | Heteroneura |
| Clade: | Eulepidoptera Kiriakoff, 1948[3] |
| Subdivisions | |
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Kristensen, Niels P. (2025-09-21),Lepidoptera, Moths and Butterflies. Volume 1: Evolution, Systematics, and Biogeography, vol. IV Arthropoda: Insecta Part 35, Walter de Gruyter, pp. 7–25
Mitter, Charles (2025-09-21),Phylogeny and Evolution of Lepidoptera{{citation}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)Van Nieukerken, E.J. et al. 2011: Order Lepidoptera Linnaeus, 1758. In: Zhang, Z.-Q. (ed.) 2011: Animal biodiversity: an outline of higher-level classification and survey of taxonomic richness.Zootaxa, 3148: 212–221
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