Coppers
Lycaeninae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Lycaenidae
- Subfamily: Lycaeninae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lycaeninae: /ˌlaɪsiˈɛnaɪni/
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Summary
Lycaeninae, commonly referred to as coppers, is a subfamily of gossamer-winged butterflies within the family Lycaenidae. Its classification is complex, with ongoing debates about the relationships and boundaries of various genera within the subfamily. Generally, it includes the genus Lycaena and some closely related groups, with several genera awaiting confirmation of their systematic placement.
Habitat
Primarily found in boreal, temperate, or montane regions; not present in South America or Australia, but found in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
Distribution
Nearly world-wide, with only one genus (Lycaena) represented in North America north of Mexico, and approximately four or more additional genera occurring in other regions.
Diet
Primarily feed on members of the Polygonaceae family, including genera such as Rumex, Oxyria, Polygonum, Eriogonum, and Muehlenbeckia; occasionally feed on other families like Rosaceae (Dasiphora, Potentilla), Ericaceae (Vaccinium), and Fabaceae (Cytisus).
Evolution
The relationships of the Lycaenidae (which includes the Lycaeninae) are not fully resolved; some taxa traditionally classified within Lycaeninae may belong to different subfamilies or are of uncertain taxonomic status. The delimitation of the Lycaeninae is thus complex and under ongoing research.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Lycaeninae
- Coppers
- Butterflies
- Lepidoptera
- Lycaenidae