Papilionoidea

Definition

A superfamily of butterflies characterized by their large size and often brightly colored wings.

Etymology

From Latin 'papilio', meaning 'butterfly' and '-oidea' indicating a group of related organisms.

Example

The Papilionoidea superfamily includes some of the most spectacular butterflies in the world, such as the Monarch butterfly.

Related Terms

• Butterflies
• Lepidoptera

Usage Notes

Papilionoidea is a large and diverse group, encompassing many well-known butterfly families.