What characteristic universally defines all organisms placed in the Order Lepidoptera?
Answer
Wings covered in minute, overlapping scales.
The Order Lepidoptera encompasses all butterflies and moths, and their defining morphological feature involves their wings. These wings are not smooth but are covered densely with microscopic, overlapping scales. These scales are responsible for absorbing and reflecting light, creating the various colors, patterns, and textures seen on the moth's wings. Furthermore, members of this order universally undergo a life cycle involving four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, which is known as complete metamorphosis.
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