Lepidopterist

Pronunciation: /lep-uh-DOP-tuh-rist/

Category: Profession

Singular: Lepidopterist

Plural: Lepidopterists

Definition

A scientist who specializes in the study of butterflies and moths.

Etymology

From the New Latin 'Lepidoptera', which is the order of insects that includes butterflies and moths, combined with the Greek suffix '-istēs', meaning 'one who specializes in'.

Example

The famous lepidopterist spent years studying the migration patterns of the Monarch butterfly.

Synonyms

Butterfly scientist
Moth expert

Related Terms

Lepidoptera
Entomologist
Butterfly
Moth

Usage Notes

The term 'lepidopterist' is specific to those studying butterflies and moths, and it is a subset of the broader term 'entomologist'.