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Lycaenidae

(Family)

Overview

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The Lycaenidae are the second-largest of butterflies, with about 6000 species worldwide,1] whose members are also called gossamer-winged butterflies. They constitute about 40% of the known butterfly species.[2]

The family is traditionally divided into the subfamilies of the blues (Polyommatinae), the coppers (Lycaeninae), the hairstreaks (Theclinae) and the harvesters (Miletinae); others include also the Lipteninae, Liphyrinae and Poritiinae. A few authorities still include the family Riodinidae within the Lycaenidae. The sole member of the subfamily Styginae is represented by Styx infernalis from the Peruvian Andes. Recent molecular evidence places Styginae within the family Riodinidae.[3]

Adults are small, under 5 cm usually, and brightly colored, sometimes with a metallic gloss. The male's forelegs are reduced in size and lack claws.

Larvae are often flattened rather than cylindrical, with glands that may produce secretions that attract and subdue ants. Their cuticles tend to be thickened. Some larva are capable of producing vibrations and low sounds that are transmitted through the plants. They use these sounds to communicate with ants.[4][5]

Adult individuals often have hairy antenna-like tails complete with black and white annulated appearance. Many species also have a spot at the base of the tail and some turn around upon landing to confuse potential predators from recognizing the true head orientation. This causes predators to approach from the true head end resulting in early visual detection.[6]

Ecology

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Ant tending a Lycaenid larva

Lycaenids are diverse in their food habits and apart from phytophagy, some of them are entomophagous feeding on aphids and ant larvae. Some of them are also associated with ant and are fed by ants. Not all Lycaenidae butterflies need ants, but about 75% of species associate with ants.[4] The term used to describe such ant association is myrmecophily. These associations can be mutualistic, parasitic or predatory, depending on the species.

In some species, larvae are attended and protected by ants while feeding on the host plant, and the ants receive sugar-rich honeydew from them, throughout the larval life. In other species, only the first few instars are spent on the plant, and the remainder of the larval lifespan is spent as a predator within the ant nest. It becomes a parasite, feeding on ant regurgitations, or a predator on the ant larvae.[4] The caterpillars pupate inside the ant's nest and the ants continue to look after the pupa. Just before the adult emerges the wings of the butterfly inside the pupal case detach from it, and the pupa becomes silvery. The adult butterfly emerges from the pupa after 3-4 weeks, still inside the ant nest. The butterfly must crawl out of the ant nest before it can expand its wings.

Several evolutionary adaptations enable these associations and they include small glands on the skin of the caterpillars called pore cupola organs. Caterpillars of many species except those of the Riodininae have a gland on the 7th abdominal segment that produces honey dew and is called the dorsal nectary gland (also called Newcomer's gland). An eversible organ called the tentacular organ is present on the 8th abdominal segment (third segment of thorax in the Riodininae) and this is cylindrical and topped with a ring of spikes and emits chemical signals which are believed to help in communicating with ants.[7]

As many as 30% of world's threatened butterflies are lycaenid.

Subfamilies

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Mating (P. semiargus)
Caterpillar of the Atala (Eumaeus atala)

Many taxonomists include only the Lycaeninae, Poritiinae, Miletinae and Curetinae under the Lycaenidae.[8][9]

Other classifications notably include the Riodininae (e.g. Abisara echerius).[10]

Gallery

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Photos

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Taxonomy

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The Family Lycaenidae is further organized into finer groupings including:

Genera

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Abisara

Abisara is a genus of . [more]

Abrota

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Acesina

Arhopala is a very large of gossamer-winged butterflies (Lycaenidae). They are the type genus of the tribe Arhopalini. It contains over 200 species collectively known as oakblues. They occur from Japan throughout temperate to tropical Asia south and east of the Himalayas to Australia and the Solomon Islands of Melanesia. Like in many of their relatives, their caterpillars are attended and protected by ants; sexual dichromatism is often prominent in adult oakblues. [more]

Acrodipsas

Acrodipsas is a genus of . There are nine species in this genus: [more]

Acrophtalmia

Acrophtalmia is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Actizera

Actizera is a of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Acupicta

Acupicta is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Acytolepis

Acytolepis is a genus of small butterflies that belongs to the family. [more]

Adaluma

Nesolycaena is a genus of butterfly in the family . [more]

Adelotypa

[more]

Aemona

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Aethiopana

Aethiopana is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Agriades

Agriades zullichi is a species of in the Lycaenidae family. It is endemic to Spain. [more]

Agrias

Agrias is a of charaxine nymphalid butterflies found in South and Central America. [more]

Agrodiaetus

Agrodiaetus is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Alaena

Alaena margaritacea is a species of in the Lycaenidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Alaena. It is endemic to South Africa. [more]

Albulina

Albulina is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Alcestis

[more]

Aldania

[more]

Alesa

[more]

Allosmaitia

Allosmaitia is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Allotinus

Allotinus is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Aloeides

Aloeides is a genus of in the Lycaenidae family. Most can be found in South Africa, but a few species occur as far north as Kenya. [more]

Altinote

[more]

Altopedaliodes

[more]

Amarynthis

[more]

Amathusia

[more]

Amathuxidia

[more]

Amauris

Amauris is a genus of butterfly in the Danainae subfamily. [more]

Amblypodia

Amblypodia is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Amnosia

[more]

Amphidecta

[more]

Anaphaeis

[more]

Anatole

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Ancema

Ancema is a genus in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Ancyluris

[more]

Angelia

[more]

Anosia

[more]

Antanartia

[more]

Anteros

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Anthene

Anthene is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Antigius

Antigius is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Antigonis

[more]

Antillea

[more]

Antirrhea

[more]

Antopedaliodes

[more]

Apaturina

Apaturina is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. One example is the turquoise emperor, found in New Guinea. [more]

Apaturopsis

Apaturopsis is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Aphantopus

[more]

Apharitis

Apharitis is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Aphnaeus

Aphnaeus is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Aphniolaus

Aphniolaus is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Aphysoneura

[more]

Apsithra

[more]

Aquisextana

[more]

Araotes

[more]

Araschnia

Araschnia is a genus is the family. [more]

Arawacus

Arawacus is a genus of butterfly in the family . They are commonly called stripestreaks. [more]

Arcas

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Archon

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[1] [more]

Archonias

[more]

Arethusana

[more]

Argestina

[more]

Argiolaus

Argiolaus is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Argyogrammana

Argyraspodes

Argyraspodes is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Argyreuptychia

[more]

Argyreus

[more]

Argyronome

[more]

Argyronympha

[more]

Argyrophorus

[more]

Arhopala

Arhopala is a very large of gossamer-winged butterflies (Lycaenidae). They are the type genus of the tribe Arhopalini. It contains over 200 species collectively known as oakblues. They occur from Japan throughout temperate to tropical Asia south and east of the Himalayas to Australia and the Solomon Islands of Melanesia. Like in many of their relatives, their caterpillars are attended and protected by ants; sexual dichromatism is often prominent in adult oakblues. [more]

Aricia

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[2] [more]

Aricoris

[more]

Artipe

Artipe is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Artopoetes

Artopoetes is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Aslauga

Aslauga australis is a species of in the Lycaenidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Aslauga. It is endemic to South Africa. [more]

Asterope

Asterope can refer to: [more]

Astraeodes

[more]

Atella

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Aterica

[more]

Athyrtis

[more]

Atlides

Atlides is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Atrophaneura

Atrophaneura is a genus of in the Swallowtail family. [more]

Audre

[more]

Austrozephyrus

Austrozephyrus is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Axiocerses

Axiocerses is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Azanus

Azanus is a genus of . [more]

Baeotis

[more]

Baltia

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Baronia

The Short-horned Baronia (Baronia brevicornis) is a species of in the Papilionidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Baronia. It is endemic to Mexico. [more]

Bebearia

[more]

Belenois

[more]

Bematistes

[more]

Berberia

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Bhutanitis

Bhutanitis is a of swallowtail butterflies with four species. [more]

Bicyclus

[more]

Bidaspa

Rapala is a genus of butterfly in the Deudorigini of the subfamily Theclinae of the family Lycaenidae. They are found throughout the Oriental Region, with a few species extending to Australia and into the Eastern Palaearctic Region. [more]

Bindahara

Bindahara is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Bowkeria

[more]

Brangas

Brangas is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Brassolis

[more]

Brenthis

[more]

Brephidium

Brephidium is a genus of butterfly in the family . They are known commonly as pygmy blues. [more]

Byasa

Byblia

[more]

Caeruleuptychia

[more]

Caleta

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Caligo

Butterflies in the genus Caligo are commonly called Owl butterflies, after their huge eyespots, which resemble owls' eyes. There are about 20 species in the genus, found in the and secondary forests of Mexico, Central and South America. [more]

Caligopsis

[more]

Calinaga

Calinaginae is a butterfly subfamily from the family . This group of butterflies includes one genus, Calinaga, that occurs in Asia. [more]

Calisto

Calisto can refer to: [more]

Callarge

[more]

Callerebia

[more]

Callipsyche

[more]

Callithea

[more]

Callithomia

[more]

Callophrys

The Callophrys consists of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. It is apparently not monophyletic, but which ones of the taxa currently considered junior synonyms of Callophrys are actually valid genera remains to be determined. [more]

Calospila

[more]

Calycopis

[more]

Candalides

[more]

Capys

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Cariomothis

[more]

Cartea

[more]

Castalius

[more]

Castilia

Castile or Castilia or Castilla may refer to: [more]

Catagramma

[more]

Catapaecilma

Catasticta

[more]

Catonephele

Catonephele is a nymphalid butterfly genus found in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the West Indies. [more]

Catopsilia

[more]

Catopyrops

[more]

Catuna

[more]

Celastrina

[more]

Cepora

[more]

Ceratinia

[more]

Chalceria

Chalodeta

[more]

Chalybs

[more]

Chamaelimnas

[more]

Charaxes

Charaxes has several meanings: [more]

Charis

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[3] [more]

Charonias

[more]

Chilades

Chilades is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Childrena

[more]

Chimastrum

[more]

Chloreuptychia

[more]

Chloropoea

[more]

Chlorostrymon

[more]

Chorinea

[more]

Chrysophanus

[more]

Chrysoritis

Chrysoritis is a genus of in the Lycaenidae family. [more]

Chrysozephyrus

[more]

Cigaritis

[more]

Cirrochroa

[more]

Cithaerias

[more]

Clytie

[more]

Coelites

[more]

Colobura

[more]

Colotis

Colotis, called Orange Tips or Arabs, is a genus of of the Whites subfamily found mainly in Asia and Africa. [more]

Consul

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[4] [more]

Contrafacia

[more]

Cooksonia

Cooksonia is an extinct grouping of primitive . The earliest Cooksonia date from the Late Wenlock (middle Silurian), about ; the group continues to be an important component of the flora until the early Devonian. For historical reasons, while Cooksonia fossils are distributed globally, most type specimens come from Britain and Eastern Australia. [more]

Corades

[more]

Coreana

[more]

Cremna

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Cressida

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Crocozona

[more]

Cupha

[more]

Cupidesthes

[more]

Cupido

Cupidon may refer to: [more]

Curetis

Curetis, the sunbeams is a of gossamer-winged butterflies (Lycaenidae) from the south-east of Asia. They are presently the only genus in the subfamily Curetinae. [more]

Cyaniris

[more]

Cyanophrys

Cyanophrys is a of butterfly in the Lycaenidae family. [more]

Cybdelis

[more]

Cyclargus

Cyclargus is a of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. It was split off from the genus Hemiargus in 1948 by Vladimir Nabokov, although many lepidopterists have not accepted the new genus as valid. Nabokov designated C. ammon (Lucas's blue, from Cuba) as the type species for the genus, and included C. dominica (Jamaican blue, from Jamaica), C. thomasi (Thomas's blue, from Florida, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Hispaniola), C. woodruffi (from the Virgin Islands) and C. erembis (from the Cayman Islands, synonym of C. ammon erembis). In 1992 K. Johnston and Matusik described C. sorpresus and C. kathleena, both from Hispaniola. [more]

Cyclirius

[more]

Cycnus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Cymothoe

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Cyrenia

[more]

Cyrestis

[more]

Dacalana

[more]

Daedalma

[more]

Damora

[more]

Danis

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[5] [more]

Dapidodigma

[more]

Delias

Delias is a genus of . There are about 250 species of Delias, found in South Asia and Australia. Delias group of butterflies are considered as having their evolutionary origins in the Australian region. [more]

Desmolycaena

[more]

Deudorix

[more]

Dicallaneura

[more]

Dichorragia

[more]

Dilipa

Dilipa is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Dione

is an archaic goddess in Greek mythology. It may also refer to [more]

Dira

[more]

Dircenna

[more]

Discophora

A genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Dismorphia

[more]

Dixeia

[more]

Dodona

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Doleschallia

[more]

Drina

The Drina (: ; Serbian: ?????) is a river in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkan Peninsula, and it is largest karst river in the Dinaric Alps which belongs to the Danube river watershed. It is a 346 kilometer long tributary of the Sava River, and it forms most of the border between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia. Its name is derived from the Latin name of the river (Latin: Drinus) which in turn is derived from Greek (Ancient Greek: 'Dreinos'). [more]

Drucina

[more]

Drupadia

[more]

Echenais

[more]

Echinargus

[more]

Ectima

[more]

Edales

[more]

Egumbia

[more]

Eicochrysops

[more]

Electrostrymon

[more]

Elina

[more]

Elymnias

[more]

Elymniopsis

[more]

Elzunia

[more]

Enantia

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Enispe

[more]

Epamera

[more]

Epidemia

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Epimastidia

[more]

Episcada

[more]

Epitola

[more]

Epitolina

[more]

Eresia

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Eresina

[more]

Eretris

[more]

Erikssonia

Erikssonia is a genus of in the family Phyllachoraceae. [more]

Erina

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[6] [more]

Erora

[more]

Erycinidia

[more]

Erysichton

[more]

Esthemopsis

[more]

Etcheverrius

[more]

Euasp

Euaspa

[more]

Euchrysops

[more]

Eulaceura

Eulaceura is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Eumaeus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[7] [more]

Euphaedra

[more]

Euphilotes

Euphilotes is a genus of butterfly in the family, which consists a number of species, some of which are endangered. One species in the genus is the endangered Smith's blue butterfly, Euphilotes enoptes smithi. [more]

Euploea

Euploea is a genus of . The species are generally dark in coloration, often quite blackish, for which reason they are commonly called crows. As usual for their subfamily, they are poisonous due to feeding on milkweeds and other toxic plants as caterpillars. The latter are aposematically colored to warn off predators from eating them, and the adult butterflies are often mimicked by unrelated species which are not or less poisonous. [more]

Euptychia

[more]

Euriphene

[more]

Euripus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Euristrymon

[more]

Eurodryas

[more]

Euryades

[more]

Euryphura

[more]

Euselasia

[more]

Eutresis

[more]

Euxanthe

[more]

Evenus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Everes

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[8] [more]

Exoplisia

Fabriciana

[more]

Falcuna

[more]

Famegana

[more]

Faunula

[more]

Fauonius

Favonius

Favonius was a nomen, meaning "favorable". It applied to a number of Roman mythological and historical figures: [more]

Femniterga

[more]

Feniseca

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[9] [more]

Fixsenia

The Satyrium contains butterflies in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Forbestra

[more]

Fountainea

[more]

Freyeria

[more]

Gaeides

[more]

Geitoneura

[more]

Glaucopsyche

[more]

Gnathotrusia

[more]

Godardia

[more]

Godyris

[more]

Gonatomyrina

[more]

Gonepteryx

Gonepteryx is a genus of in the Pieridae family. They live in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. They are commonly known as brimstones for the bright yellow color of the wings of most species. [more]

Greta

[more]

Habrodais

[more]

Hadrodontes

[more]

Haetera

[more]

Hallelesis

[more]

Hamearis

[more]

Harpendyreus

[more]

Harsiesis

[more]

Hebomoia

[more]

Helicopis

[more]

Heliophorus

Heliophorus is a genus of butterflies. [more]

Helleia

[more]

Hemiargus

[more]

Henotesia

[more]

Heodes

[more]

Hermathena

[more]

Herona

Herona is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Hesperocharis

[more]

Hestina

Hestina is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Heteronympha

[more]

Hewitsonia

[more]

Hipparchia

[more]

Historis

[more]

Hyalyris

[more]

Hyllolycaena

[more]

Hyllus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[10] [more]

Hypanartia

[more]

Hypanis

[more]

Hypaurotis

[more]

Hypermnestra

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Hyphilaria

[more]

Hypochrysops

[more]

Hypocysta

[more]

Hypoleria

[more]

Hypolimnas

Hypolimnas is a of tropical brush-footed butterflies commonly known as eggflies or diadems. The genus contains approximately 23 species, most of which are found in Africa, Asia, and Oceania. One species, the Danaid Eggfly (H. misippus), is noted for its exceptionally wide distribution across five continents; it is the only Hypolimnas species found in the Americas. [more]

Hypolycaena

[more]

Hypomenitis

[more]

Hyponephele

[more]

Hyposcada

[more]

Hypostrymon

[more]

Hypothyris

[more]

Iaspis

[more]

Icaricia

[more]

Incisalia

[more]

Iolaus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Iphiclides

Iphiclides is a of butterflies of the family Papilionoidea. [more]

Ipidecla

[more]

Iraoto

Iratsume

[more]

Isapis

Itaballia

[more]

Ithomeis

[more]

Ithomia

[more]

Jalmenus

[more]

Jamides

Jamides is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Janthecla

[more]

Joiceya

Joiceya praeclarus is a species of in the Lycaenidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Joiceya. It is endemic to Brazil. [more]

Kallima

[more]

Lachides

Lachnocnema

[more]

Ladoga

[more]

Lampides

Lampides is a genus of in the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Lamproptera

[more]

Lamprospilus

[more]

Lasiophila

[more]

Lemonias

[more]

Lepidochrysops

Lepidochrysops is a genus of in the Lycaenidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Lepricornis

[more]

Leptidea

Leptidea is a of butterflies of family Pieridae, the whites and yellows. They live in Europe and Asia. [more]

Leptotes

Leptotes can refer to [more]

Leucantigius

[more]

Leucochimona

[more]

Libythea

Libythea is a widespread genus of butterflies commonly called Beaks or Snouts. They are strong fliers and may even be migratory. [more]

Lipaphnaeus

Liphyra

The Moth Butterfly (Liphyra brassolis) is a found in Asia and Australia that belongs to the Lycaenids or Blues family. The larvae are predatory and feed on ant larvae. This is one of the largest species of Lycaenid butterfly. It is one of two species of Liphyra (the other being Liphyra grandis which is endemic to New Guinea[citation needed]) and occurs as several sub-species throughout its wide range. Never a common butterfly, specimens of this species are highly-prized by collectors. [more]

Logania

Logania is a genus of plants belonging to the family . Native to Australia and New Zealand the genus at least 24 species including herbs, shrub, trees and climbers. [more]

Loranthomitoura

Losaria

[more]

Loxerebia

[more]

Loxura

[more]

Lucia

[more]

Luehdorfia

Luehdorfia is a genus of in the Papilionidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Lycaeides

[more]

Lycaena

Lycaena is a genus with a world-wide range. It is commonly divided into several subgenera, such as Antipodolycaena. Many formerly independent genera are nowadays subsumed within Lycaena, and the genus Gaiedes may well belong herein too. [more]

Lycaenopsis

Lycaenopsis is a genus of butterflies. [more]

Lysandra

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Maculinea

Maculinea is a of lycaenid butterflies, often treated as a subgenus of Glaucopsyche. [more]

Magneuptychia

[more]

Manataria

[more]

Manerebia

[more]

Maniola

[more]

Mazia

[more]

Mcclungia

[more]

Meandrusa

[more]

Melanargia

[more]

Melanitis

[more]

Meleageria

[more]

Melinaea

[more]

Mellicta

[more]

Menander

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Meneris

[more]

Mesene

[more]

Mesoacidalia

[more]

Mesophthalma

[more]

Mesosemia

[more]

Metamorpha

[more]

Methona

[more]

Micandra

[more]

Ministrymon

[more]

Mitoura

[more]

Moneuptychia

[more]

Mycalesis

The bushbrowns, Mycalesis, are a of brush-footed butterflies. They are common in the warm regions from Central Asia to Australia, and have a high diversity in South Asia and the Wallacea. [more]

Mygona

[more]

Mynes

[more]

Myrina

Myrina can refer to: [more]

Nacaduda

Napeocles

[more]

Narathura

[more]

Necyria

[more]

Neocoenyra

[more]

Neolucia

[more]

Neolycaena

[more]

Neomaenas

[more]

Neopithecops

[more]

Neorina

[more]

Neozephyrus

[more]

Nephargynnis

[more]

Neptis

[more]

Nesiostrymon

[more]

Nesolycaena

[more]

Nessaea

[more]

Niphanda

[more]

Nordmannia

[more]

Nothodanis

[more]

Nymphidium

[more]

Ocaria

[more]

Oenomaus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[11] [more]

Ogyris

[more]

Oleria

[more]

Olynthus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Olyras

[more]

Opsiphanes

[more]

Orachrysops

Orachrysops is a genus of in the Lycaenidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Oreixenica

[more]

Oressinoma

[more]

Ornithoptera

Birdwings are butterflies native to mainland and archipelagic Southeast Asia and Australasia (with one Indian species), and are usually regarded as belonging to three genera: Ornithoptera, Trogonoptera and Troides. Some authorities include additional genera. The number of species ranges between 10 and 30 depending on the taxonomic treatment. Birdwings are named for their exceptional size, angular wings, and birdlike flight. [more]

Pagyris

[more]

Paiwarria

[more]

Palaeochrysophanus

[more]

Pampasatyrus

[more]

Panthiades

[more]

Paralucia

The Bathurst Copper (Paralucia spinifera) is a species of in the Lycaenidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Paralucia. It is endemic to Australia. [more]

Paramo

Páramo is a ecosystem. It is located in the high elevations, between the upper forest line (about 3800 m altitude) and the permanent snow line (about 5000 m). The ecosystem consists of accidented, mostly glacier formed valleys and plains with a large variety of lakes, peat bogs and wet grasslands intermingled with shrublands and forest patches. Nearly 57% of this ecosystem worldwide is found in Colombia. [more]

Parantica

Parantica is an genus of butterflies in subfamily Danainae of family Nymphalidae. It contains the species: [more]

Pararge

[more]

Parrhasius

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[12] [more]

Paruparo

Paulogramma

[more]

Pedaliodes

[more]

Pereute

[more]

Perisama

[more]

Phaedyma

[more]

Phaeostrymon

[more]

Phalanta

[more]

Phales

Phasis

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[13] [more]

Philiris

[more]

Philotes

[more]

Philotiella

[more]

Pierella

Pierella is a genus from the subfamily Satyrinae in the family Nymphalidae found from Mexico through Central America to South America. The species of Pierella have larger hindwings than forewings, unique among butterflies. The oval green flash on the forewing is also unique. It is caused by diffraction, the wing scales forming a diffraction grating. [more]

Pistoria

[more]

Pithecops

[more]

Plebeius

[more]

Plebejus

[more]

Plebicula

[more]

Plebulina

[more]

Poecilmitis

Chrysoritis is a genus of in the Lycaenidae family. [more]

Polygrapha

[more]

Polyommatus

Polyommatus is a genus of . [more]

Polyura

Polyura is the of nawab butterflies. They belong to the brush-footed butterfly subfamily Charaxinae, or leafwing butterflies. Like the large and conspicuous pasha and rajah butterflies (Charaxes) they belong to the Charaxini tribe. [more]

Poritia

Poritia is a genus of butterflies. [more]

Praetaxila

[more]

Precis

[more]

Prioneris

[more]

Prittwitzia

[more]

Prosotas

[more]

Proterebia

[more]

Protesilaus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Protographium

[more]

Pseudacraea

[more]

Pseudalmenus

[more]

Pseudaricia

[more]

Pseudochazara

Pseudochazara euxina is a species of in the Nymphalidae family, in the monotypic genus Pseudochazara. It is found in Russia and Ukraine. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and temperate grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss. [more]

Pseudodipsas

[more]

Pseudolycaena

[more]

Pseudonympha

[more]

Pseudophilotes

[more]

Pseudozizeeria

[more]

Psychonotis

[more]

Pteronymia

[more]

Ptychandra

[more]

Pycina

[more]

Pyrrhogyra

[more]

Quercusia

[more]

Ragadia

Ragadia is a of brush-footed butterflies (family Nymphalidae). This genus is one of those commonly called "ringlets". [more]

Ravenna

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[14] [more]

Rekoa

[more]

Repens

[more]

Rhaphicera

[more]

Rhinopalpa

[more]

Rhode

Rhode may refer to [more]

Rhodussa

[more]

Sahulana

[more]

Salamis

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Saletara

[more]

Sandia

[more]

Sarota

[more]

Sasakia

Sasakia is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Satyrium

[more]

Scolitandides

Scolitantides

[more]

Selenophanes

[more]

Sephisa

Sephisa is a of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae. [more]

Setabis

[more]

Shijimiaeoides

[more]

Sibataniozephyrus

Sibatanoizephyrus

Siderone

[more]

Sospita

[more]

Spindasis

[more]

Splendeuptychia

[more]

Steremnia

[more]

Strephonota

[more]

Strymon

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[15] [more]

Strymondia

[more]

Strymonidia

Surendra

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Symmachia

[more]

Synargis

[more]

Syntarucus

[more]

Taenaris

[more]

Tajuria

[more]

Talbotia

[more]

Talicada

[more]

Tanaecia

[more]

Taraka

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Tarucus

Tarucus is a genus of of the family Lycaenidae. [more]

Taygetis

[more]

Tegosa

[more]

Teinopalpus

Teinopalpus is a genus of in the Papilionidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Temenis

[more]

Teratozephyrus

[more]

Terinos

[more]

Tetra

Thaumantis

[more]

Thauria

[more]

Thecla

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[16] [more]

Theclopsis

[more]

Theritas

[more]

Thermone

Thermozephyrus

Thersamolycaena

[more]

Thersamonia

[more]

Thestor

Thestor is a genus of in the Lycaenidae family. It contains the following species: [more]

Thyridia

[more]

Tisiphone

Tisiphone (: ??s?f???, "avenging murder") is the name of two figures in Greek mythology. [more]

Tmolus

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[17] [more]

Tomares

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]

Tongeia

[more]

Triphysa

[more]

Trogonoptera

Birdwings are butterflies native to mainland and archipelagic Southeast Asia and Australasia (with one Indian species), and are usually regarded as belonging to three genera: Ornithoptera, Trogonoptera and Troides. Some authorities include additional genera. The number of species ranges between 10 and 30 depending on the taxonomic treatment. Birdwings are named for their exceptional size, angular wings, and birdlike flight. [more]

Troides

Birdwings are butterflies native to mainland and archipelagic Southeast Asia and Australasia (with one Indian species), and are usually regarded as belonging to three genera: Ornithoptera, Trogonoptera and Troides. Some authorities include additional genera. The number of species ranges between 10 and 30 depending on the taxonomic treatment. Birdwings are named for their exceptional size, angular wings, and birdlike flight. [more]

Turanana

[more]

Turanena

[more]

Udara

[more]

Ussuriana

[more]

Vacciniina

[more]

Vagrans

[more]

Vila

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[18] [more]

Vindula

[more]

Wagimo

[more]

Xanthotaenia

[more]

Xenandra

[more]

Xyinias

Yoma

A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[19] [more]

Yphthimoides

[more]

Ypthima

[more]

Zaretis

[more]

Zegris

[more]

Zerynthia

Zerynthia , 1816 is a genus of swallowtail butterflies placed in the subfamily Parnassiinae. The genus has a complex history and a multiplicity of names have been applied to its two species See talkpage [1] [more]

Ziegleria

[more]

Zizeeria

[more]

Zizina

[more]

Zizula

[more]

At least 11 species and subspecies belong to the Genus Zizula.

More info about the Genus Zizula may be found here.

References

[ Back to top ]
  1. ^ Fiedler, K. 1996. Host-plant relationships of lycaenid butterflies: large-scale patterns, interactions with plant chemistry, and mutualism with ants. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 80(1):259-267 doi:10.1007/BF00194770 [1]
  2. ^ Venkatesha, MG. 2005. Why is homopterophagous butterfly, Spalgis epius (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) amyrmecophilous? Current Science 89 (2): 245-246. [2]
  3. ^ a b Brower, Andrew V. Z. 2007. Riodinidae G rote 1895. Metalmarks, Erycinidae Swainson 1827 (see nomenclature section). Version 19 May 2007 [3] in The Tree of Life Web Project, [4]
  4. ^ a b c Pierce NE, Braby MF, Heath A, Lohman DJ, Mathew J, Rand DB, Travassos MA. 2002. The ecology and evolution of ant association in the Lycaenidae (Lepidoptera.) ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 47: 733-771. PDF
  5. ^ DeVries, Philip J. 1992. Singing Caterpillars, Ants and Symbiosis. Scientific American, 267:76
  6. ^ Robbins, Robert K. 1981 The "False Head" Hypothesis: Predation and Wing Pattern Variation of Lycaenid Butterflies. American Naturalist, 118(5):770-775
  7. ^ Australian Museum factsheets Accessed December 2006
  8. ^ Maddison, David R. 2003. Lycaenidae. Version 01 January 2003 (temporary). [5] in The Tree of Life Web Project, [6]
  9. ^ Ackery, P. R., R. de Jong, and R. I. Vane-Wright. 1999. The butterflies: Hedyloidea, Hesperioidea, and Papilionoidea. Pages 264-300 in: Lepidoptera: Moths and Butterflies. 1. Evolution, Systematics, and Biogeography. Handbook of Zoology Vol. IV, Part 35. N. P. Kristensen, ed. De Gruyter, Berlin and New York.
  10. ^ Scoble, MJ. 1992. The Lepidoptera: Form, Function and Diversity. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-854952-0

Footnotes

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  1. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Archon&search=Search
  2. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Aricia&search=Search
  3. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Charis&search=Search
  4. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Consul&search=Search
  5. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Danis&search=Search
  6. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Erina&search=Search
  7. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Eumaeus&search=Search
  8. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Everes&search=Search
  9. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Feniseca&search=Search
  10. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Hyllus&search=Search
  11. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Oenomaus&search=Search
  12. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Parrhasius&search=Search
  13. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Phasis&search=Search
  14. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Ravenna&search=Search
  15. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Strymon&search=Search
  16. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Thecla&search=Search
  17. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Tmolus&search=Search
  18. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Vila&search=Search
  19. http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=Yoma&search=Search

Sources

[ Back to top ]
Last Revised: September 22, 2009
2009/09/22 13:24:42