Other Common Names
Lycaenids, "Little Butterflies"
(1)Explanation of Names
Author of family is
Leach, 1815. Name of family is from Old World genus
Lycaena, that from Greek λικαενα, a she-wolf, feminine of Greek λικοσ, wolf
(2).
Identification
The family
Lycaenidae contains many species, mostly small, many of them very rare. Most species are blue or brown colored with delicate, streaked markings, hence their common name, "hairstreaks" (Theclinae). Others are copper colored and popularly called "coppers" (Lycaeninae)
(3).
Some characters of adults
(1) (4):
antennae usually banded
eyes of adults indented near antennae and face is narrow
forelegs of males reduced, with fused tips without claws
forelegs of females "of almost normal size" and do bear claws
radial (R) veins of forewing simple, not forked
hindwing often with thread-like extensions that resemble antennae (typical of "hairstreaks")
coloration often bright, iridescent
Life Cycle
The small blue species are simply referred to as “blues” (Plebejinae). The life cycles of many of the blues, especially members of the genus
Plebejus, are very complex and involve interesting relationships with ants.
(3)
For a brief introduction to Lycaenids' mutualistic relationships with ants (myrmecophily) go to
Art Shapiro's Butterfly Site .
Myrmecophilous species include: Glaucopsyche piasus, G. lygdamus, Lycaeides melissa, Plebejus acmon, and P. icarioides. (
(5))
