Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)

The members of the Lycaenidae family, alternately known as the gossamer-winged are the second largest group of butterflies after the Nymphalidae. Comprising of approximately 30% of the butterfly species, this clan has four subfamilies, namely coppers (Lycaeninae), harvesters (Miletinae), blues (Polyommatinae) and hairstreaks( Theclinae).

Types of Gossamer-Winged Butterfly

Butterflies In This Family

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The caterpillar is mostly red or green with spiny projections.

Pupa

They are small and round-shaped with a silken girdle, situated near the ground. The chrysalis may even possess a nectar organ, which helps it to be cared for by ants.

Adult

Sexual Dimorphism: Present

Color and Appearance: They are small-sized butterflies being less than 5cm in size, having a bright coloration as well as a metallic gloss. The wing colors differ in accordance to the subfamilies. The blues would have this shade on their wing’s upper surface, with the color being darker in females than their male counterparts. The coppers have a brown or orange body with dark markings. The hairstreaks are brown or grey with colorful markings on their wing’s undersides, while t7hey also possess two to three small-sized tails on the hind wings.

Average wingspan: 1 to 3cm (0.4 to 1.2 inches)

Flight pattern: Fast

Eggs

They are round, white, and small in size.