Blues
Guides
Hemiargus
blues, blue butterflies
Hemiargus is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as blues, found in North and South America. The genus contains approximately five recognized species, including the widespread Ceraunus blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) and Reakirt's blue (Hemiargus isola). These butterflies inhabit open, sunny environments and are characterized by their blue or grayish upper wing surfaces with variable spotting patterns. Some species engage in facultative mutualistic associations with ants during their larval stage, where caterpillars produce secretions that attract ant attendants who provide protection against predators.
Lycaenidae
gossamer-winged butterflies, blues, coppers, hairstreaks, harvesters
Lycaenidae is the second-largest butterfly family worldwide, comprising over 6,000 species that constitute approximately 30% of known butterfly diversity. Members are commonly called gossamer-winged butterflies, blues, coppers, hairstreaks, or harvesters depending on subfamily. The family is distinguished by intimate ecological associations with ants, with roughly 75% of species exhibiting myrmecophily—relationships ranging from mutualistic to parasitic.
Polyommatinae
Blues
Polyommatinae, commonly known as the blues, is a diverse subfamily of gossamer-winged butterflies within the family Lycaenidae. The group was established in 1775 and takes its name from the type genus Polyommatus, referring to the ocelli (eye spots) on their wings. Males of most species exhibit distinctive blue coloration on the upper wing surfaces, while females are typically brown with blue scales limited to the wing bases. The subfamily contains four recognized tribes: Candalidini, Lycaenesthini, Niphandini, and Polyommatini, with the latter comprising the majority of genera and species. Despite being one of the most species-rich groups within Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae has been historically understudied and its phylogenetic relationships remain in need of revision.