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Reactions to Lepidoptera

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Arthropods and Human Skin

Abstract

Lepidoptera comprise butterflies and moths, which are characterised by two pairs of wings covered by easily detachable scales, often vividly coloured in striking patterns. The developmental stages of egg, larva, pupa and adult correspond to similar stages in other endopterygote insects. Although there is no clear–cut distinction between moths and butterflies, it can be stated that in general butterflies have clubbed antennae and almost without exception rest with the wings pressed closely together over the back, whilst most moths have thread–like or feathery antennae and rest with the wings folded close to the sides of the body (Hyde 1974; M. R. Shaw 1982, personal communication).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Glasgow, UK

    John O’Donel Alexander MB, ChB, FRCP (Glasgow) (Emeritus Consultant Dermatologist, Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Lately Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Dermatology)

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  1. John O’Donel Alexander MB, ChB, FRCP (Glasgow)
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© 1984 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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O’Donel Alexander, J. (1984). Reactions to Lepidoptera. In: Arthropods and Human Skin. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1356-0_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-1356-0_12

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