Lycaenidae

family of insects

The Lycaenidae are the second-largest family of butterflies, with about 6000 species worldwide.[1] They are also called gossamer-winged butterflies.

Lycaenidae
Peablue
Lampides boeticus
Scientific classification
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Lycaenidae

The family includes many beautiful species. Some, like the Palos Verdes blue, are critically endangered. The Lycaenids were favourites of the Russian novelist and lepidopterist Vladimir Nabokov.

References change

  1. Fiedler, K. 1996. Host-plant relationships of lycaenid butterflies: large-scale patterns, interactions with plant chemistry, and mutualism with ants. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata 80(1):259-267 doi:10.1007/BF00194770 [1][permanent dead link]