Question

Body and wings covered with pigmented scales:

• A. Diptera
• B. Lepidoptera
• C. Hymenoptera
• D. Odonata

Hint:

Lepidoptera literally means "scale-winged". When you touch a butterfly's wing, the fine powder that rubs off on your fingers is actually thousands of these microscopic scales.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The taxonomic names of insect orders are highly descriptive of their wing morphology (e.g., Diptera = two wings, Coleoptera = sheath wings).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The term Lepidoptera is derived from the Greek words 'lepis' (meaning scale) and 'pteron' (meaning wing).
The body, legs, and both pairs of wings of these insects (butterflies and moths) are densely covered with microscopic, overlapping, pigmented scales.
These scales are responsible for the intricate color patterns, thermal insulation, and aerodynamic efficiency of their wings.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The insect order whose body and wings are covered with scales is Lepidoptera, which is option (B).