Hairstreaks
Guides
Chlorostrymon
hairstreaks
Chlorostrymon is a genus of hairstreak butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, established by Clench in 1961. The genus comprises six recognized species distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical realms, including the well-known silver-banded hairstreak (C. simaethis). Species within this genus are characterized by their association with the hairstreak tribe Eumaeini.
Eumaeini
hairstreaks, elfin butterflies
Eumaeini is a diverse tribe of gossamer-winged butterflies (family Lycaenidae), typically placed in the subfamily Theclinae but sometimes treated as a separate subfamily Eumaeinae. The tribe contains over 1,000 described species, predominantly distributed in the Neotropical realm, with some representatives extending into the Nearctic region and isolated occurrences in the Palearctic. Members are commonly known as hairstreaks or elfin butterflies, characterized by often intricate wing patterns and, in many species, thin tail-like projections on the hindwings. The group has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision due to high species diversity and morphological complexity.
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.
Michaelus ira
Shadowed Hairstreak
Michaelus ira is a species of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as the Shadowed Hairstreak. The species was originally described by Hewitson in 1867 under the genus Thecla before being transferred to Michaelus. As a member of the hairstreak group within Lycaenidae, it likely exhibits the characteristic tail-like projections on the hindwings typical of this butterfly lineage.
Theclinae
hairstreaks, elfins
Theclinae is a subfamily of Lycaenidae butterflies comprising hairstreaks, elfins, and related groups. Members are characterized by small to medium size, often with tail-like projections on the hindwings and intricate underside patterns. Many species exhibit myrmecophilous relationships with ants, and larvae possess a specialized dorsal gland (Newcomer's gland) that secretes sugary fluids to attract ant protectors. The group shows high diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Neotropics and Southeast Asia, with fewer migratory species compared to other butterfly groups.