Which body parts of butterflies and moths are covered with tiny scales?

In adult butterflies and moths, nearly all external surfaces are covered with tiny scales. These scales, which are outgrowths of individual epidermal cells, are found on the following body parts:1

• Wings: The wings are famously covered in overlapping rows of scales, which give the order its name, Lepidoptera, meaning "scaly winged".23
• Bodies: The main body segments—the head, thorax, and abdomen—are also covered in these scales, which may appear broad and flat or long and hairlike.1
• Legs: The legs of both butterflies and moths are covered in these fine, delicate scales.4

These scales are responsible for the insects' diverse colors and patterns, produced through a combination of pigments and the refraction of light by the scales' microstructure. Please note that these scales are fragile and can easily rub off if the insects are handled.34