Lepidoptera species are characterized by more than three derivative features, some of the most obvious are the scales that cover their body and wings, and the probes. Scales are modified and trimmed "hairs" that give butterflies and moths of different colors and patterns. Almost all species have some form of membranous wings, except for some whose wings have been reduced or not winged. Like most other insects, butterflies and holometabola moths, which means they experience perfect metamorphosis. Mating and egg laying are performed by adults, usually near or on host plants for larvae. The larvae are commonly called caterpillars, and are completely different from the adult forms of moths or butterflies, having cylindrical bodies with well-developed heads, mandibular mouth sections, three pairs of thoracic legs and from none to five pairs of prolegs. As they grow, the larvae change in this appearance, through a series of stages called instar. Once fully matured, the larvae develop into pupae or cocoons, referred to as the chrysalis in the case of butterflies and cocoon in the case of moths. Some butterflies and many species of moths make silk cocoons before they become pupae, while others do not, instead go underground. [4]
