Anglewings

Anglewings is the name used in speculative biology and fiction for a group of moth- or butterfly-like insects distinguished by angular, sharply notched wing shapes. In many worldbuilding contexts, anglewings are described as a separate lineage within Lepidoptera, sometimes placed in a fictional family such as Angulidae. The defining feature is the wings’ outward-facing angles and straight-edged margins, a contrast to the more rounded outlines common in real-world Lepidoptera.

Appearance and physiology are variable in fictional accounts. Adults range from small to medium in size and may display a camouflage palette of browns and greens, or brighter iridescent colors used in signaling. The angular wing geometry is presented as an adaptation that enables precise, agile flight in cluttered habitats, such as forest understories or alpine shrublands. Some depictions include translucent wing panels or contrasting patterns that deter predators through startling flashes.

Ecology and life history are likewise diverse across different worldbuilding settings. Anglewings are typically described as nectar feeders in their adult stage, with larvae that feed on a variety of plants. They are often portrayed as crepuscular or nocturnal, taking advantage of complex flight paths to navigate dense vegetation. Reproduction involves complete metamorphosis, with eggs, caterpillars, pupae, and winged adults forming a cyclical life history.

Cultural role in fiction is broad: anglewings are sometimes used as symbols of precision and agility, or as distinctive elements within ecosystems in novels, games, and films. In non-fiction discussions, they appear mainly as a hypothetical or illustrative concept rather than a real taxon.