1.
wing scales; scale powder
The tiny, flat, overlapping structures that cover the wings of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera). These scales create wing patterns and colors, and feel like fine powder when touched.
The name combines 鱗 (scale) and 粉 (powder), describing both the scale-like structure and the powdery texture. These tiny structures give butterflies and moths their wing colors and patterns. In everyday Japanese, people often just say 粉 (powder) when referring to what comes off on your fingers from touching a butterfly or moth wing. The scientific study of Lepidoptera is called 鱗翅学.