lepids

Lepids is a term that can refer to two distinct biological groups. In zoology, "lepids" is an informal or archaic term for animals belonging to the order Squamata, which is the largest order of reptiles. This order includes lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians, characterized by their overlapping scales. The term "lepids" is less common in modern scientific literature compared to "squamates."

In botany, "lepids" can refer to a group of plants within the order Lamiales. These plants are characterized by their scaly structures, often seen on seeds or cone scales in related groups. This botanical usage is also less common than referring to specific plant families or genera within the order. When encountered, context is crucial to determine whether the term refers to reptiles or plants. Modern scientific classification generally favors more precise taxonomic terms.