Lycaenidae

Common Name

Gossamer-winged butterflies

Overview

Lycaenidae, also known as gossamer-winged butterflies, is the second-largest family of butterflies, comprising more than 6,000 species worldwide. These butterflies are known for their often brightly colored wings and intricate patterns.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom : Animalia
• Phylum : Arthropoda
• Class : Insecta
• Order : Lepidoptera
• Family : Lycaenidae

Subfamilies:

• Theclinae (Hairstreaks)
• Polyommatinae (Blues)
• Lycaeninae (Coppers)
• Miletinae (Harvesters)

Key Characteristics

• Size : Generally small; wingspan ranges from 18 to 38 mm.
• Coloration : Often brightly colored with blues, coppers, and iridescent scales.
• Antennae : Clubbed with pronounced tips, often striped.
• Legs : Forelegs reduced in males for some subfamilies.

Life Cycle

• Egg : Eggs are usually laid singly on host plants.
• Larva : Caterpillars are often slug-like with various forms of mimicry and camouflage.
• Pupa : Chrysalids are typically attached to leaves or hidden in crevices.
• Adult : Adults emerge with fully formed wings and are usually quick fliers.

Behavior and Ecology

• Feeding : Adults primarily feed on nectar, while larvae feed on plant parts, including leaves and flowers, or in some cases, are tended by ants due to mutualism.
• Mutualism with Ants : Many Lycaenid larvae secrete substances that attract and appease ants, who in turn offer protection from predators.
• Habitat : These butterflies inhabit a variety of habitats including meadows, grasslands, forests, and mountainous regions.

Notable Species

• Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) : Known for its widespread presence and vivid blue wings.
• Large Blue (Phengaris arion) : Famous for its complex life cycle involving ant nests.
• American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas) : Distinct with its copper-colored upper wings bordered with black.

Conservation

Some species within the Lycaenidae family are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat restoration and management, as well as research on host-plant and ant relationships.

Significance to Humans

Lycaenid butterflies play significant roles in ecosystems as pollinators and as part of food webs. They also serve as indicator species for environmental health and biodiversity. Enthusiasts and researchers are drawn to their beauty and complex behaviors.

Fun Facts

• Many Lycaenid species 'talk' to ants using sound or vibrations.
• Some caterpillars can produce sweet nectar to 'bribe' ants for protection.
• The Large Blue butterfly has a parasitic larval stage where it imitates ant larvae to get fed by worker ants.
• Male Lycaenids often exhibit territorial behavior, frequently chasing away rivals.
• Some species have metallic scales that create an iridescent effect on their wings.