Quick question

[Doug Yanega]

>Hello,
>
>I've been trying to figure out the taxonomy of the order
>Lepidoptera; I'd like to get a whole picture of the order just to
>satisfy my curiosity. I'm a bit confused by the many different
>versions of classifications, etc and almost gone blind just
>reading them. I've come across the Comstock's, Hepper's version
>of classifications, etc.; I wonder which version do lepists
>follow in general? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks for you
>time.

The classification considered the "standard" by the Zoological Record is at

http://www.york.biosis.org/zrdocs/taxhier/hier_13d.htm

However, LOTS of individual lepidopterists, especially Europeans, will find
portions of this that they disagree with (especially the concept that there
are only 5 families of butterflies, INCLUDING skippers). Nonetheless, this
is the most recent attempt at an authoritative world classification I can
find.

Peace,


Doug Yanega        Dept. of Entomology         Entomology Research Museum
Univ. of California - Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521
phone: (909) 787-4315 (standard disclaimer: opinions are mine, not UCR's)
                http://insects.ucr.edu/staff/yanega.html
  "There are some enterprises in which a careful disorderliness
        is the true method" - Herman Melville, Moby Dick, Chap. 82