Eulepidoptera

Eulepidoptera represents a major clade within the infraorder Heteroneura, encompassing the vast majority of moth and butterfly species. It includes both primitive lineages such as Incurvariina and Etimonotrysia, as well as the highly diverse Ditrysia, which alone accounts for approximately 98% of all described Lepidoptera 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
Kamehameha
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Clade:	Neolepidoptera
Infraorder:	Heteroneura
Clade:	Eulepidoptera Kiriakoff, 1948 [3]
Subdivisions
Incurvariina Superfamily Andesianoidea Superfamily Adeloidea Etimonotrysia Superfamily Palaephatoidea Superfamily Tischerioidea Ditrysia 30 superfamilies

See also

• Taxonomy of Lepidoptera

References

3. A classification of the Lepidoptera and related groups with some remarks on taxonomy. SG Kiriakoff, Biologisch Jaarboek, 1948

^{[1] [2]}

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 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

External links

• Data related to Eulepidoptera at Wikispecies

1. Kristensen, Niels P.; Skalski, Andrzej W. (1999). Lepidoptera, Moths and Butterflies. Volume 1: Evolution, Systematics, and Biogeography. Handbook of Zoology. Vol. IV Arthropoda: Insecta Part 35. Walter de Gruyter. pp. 7–25.
2. Charles Mitter (5 November 2016). "Phylogeny and Evolution of Lepidoptera". Smithsonian Institution Repository. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 21 September 2025.