Lycaeninae
Encyclopedia
Lycaeninae, the coppers, are a subfamily of the gossamer-winged butterflies (Lycaenidae).
The relationships of the Lycaenidae
are not fully resolved. Sometimes the Polyommatinae
and Theclinae
are included in the Lycaeninae; in particular the Theclinae tribe Eumaeini
contains many similar taxa. Consequently the delimitation of the Lycaeninae is by no means definitely resolved; many genera await conformation of placement. Regardless, it is today generally considered better to restrict the Lycaeninae to the immediate relatives of the type genus Lycaena
, and one or two clade
s close to that group.
The Lycaenidae sensu stricto can be divided into two tribe
s:
Heliophorini
Lycaenini
A few genera included in the Lycaeninae in the most extensive circumscriptions are now placed in subfamilies as distinct as the Lipteninae
or Poritiinae
. Finally, there are some genera of uncertain status as regards their systematics
and taxonomic validity. They might, if valid, be members of the monophyletic Lycaeninae, but this requires confirmation:
The relationships of the Lycaenidae
Lycaenidae
The Lycaenidae are the second-largest family of butterflies, with about 6000 species worldwide, whose members are also called gossamer-winged butterflies...
are not fully resolved. Sometimes the Polyommatinae
Polyommatinae
Polyommatinae, the blues, are a subfamily of gossamer-winged butterflies . It was long used to assign taxa of unclear relationships, and its contents are in need of revision...
and Theclinae
Theclinae
Subfamily Theclinae is a group of butterflies, including the hairstreaks, elfins and allies, in the family Lycaenidae. There are many tropical species as well as a number found in the Americas. Tropical hairstreaks often have iridescent blue coloration above, caused by reflected light from the...
are included in the Lycaeninae; in particular the Theclinae tribe Eumaeini
Eumaeini
The Eumaeini are a tribe of gossamer-winged butterflies . They are typically placed in the subfamily Theclinae, but sometimes considered a separate subfamily Eumaeinae.-Systematics:...
contains many similar taxa. Consequently the delimitation of the Lycaeninae is by no means definitely resolved; many genera await conformation of placement. Regardless, it is today generally considered better to restrict the Lycaeninae to the immediate relatives of the type genus Lycaena
Lycaena
Lycaena is a butterfly genus with a world-wide range. It is commonly divided into several subgenera, such as Antipodolycaena. Many formerly independent genera are nowadays subsumed within Lycaena, and the genus Gaiedes may well belong herein too.-Species:Listed alphabetically within groups:The...
, and one or two clade
Clade
A clade is a group consisting of a species and all its descendants. In the terms of biological systematics, a clade is a single "branch" on the "tree of life". The idea that such a "natural group" of organisms should be grouped together and given a taxonomic name is central to biological...
s close to that group.
The Lycaenidae sensu stricto can be divided into two tribe
Tribe (biology)
In biology, a tribe is a taxonomic rank between family and genus. It is sometimes subdivided into subtribes.Some examples include the tribes: Canini, Acalypheae, Hominini, Bombini, and Antidesmeae.-See also:* Biological classification* Rank...
s:
Heliophorini
- HeliophorusHeliophorusHeliophorus is a genus of lycaenid butterflies.-Selected species:* Heliophorus androcles* Heliophorus bakeri* Heliophorus brahma* Heliophorus epicles* Heliophorus hybrida* Heliophorus kohimensis* Heliophorus oda...
– sapphires - IophanusIophanusIophanus is a monotypic butterfly genus in the family Lycaenidae....
- MelanolycaenaMelanolycaenaMelanolycaena is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....
Lycaenini
- AthamanthiaAthamanthiaAthamanthia is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....
- GaeidesGaeidesGaeides is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.There are currently 3 known species:* Gaeides dione* Gaeides gibboni* Gaeides gorogon-References: : . Retrieved 2008-MAY-17....
(often included in Lycaena) - HyrcananaHyrcananaHyrcanana is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....
- LycaenaLycaenaLycaena is a butterfly genus with a world-wide range. It is commonly divided into several subgenera, such as Antipodolycaena. Many formerly independent genera are nowadays subsumed within Lycaena, and the genus Gaiedes may well belong herein too.-Species:Listed alphabetically within groups:The...
– typical coppers - PhoenicurusiaPhoenicurusiaPhoenicurusia is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....
A few genera included in the Lycaeninae in the most extensive circumscriptions are now placed in subfamilies as distinct as the Lipteninae
Lipteninae
Lipteninae is a butterfly subfamily within the family Lycaenidae, whose members are also known as gossamer-winged butterflies....
or Poritiinae
Poritiinae
Poritiinae is a subfamily of butterflies.- Systematics :* Tribe Poritiini** Cyaniriodes de Nicéville, 1890 ** Poriskina Druce, 1895** Poritia Moore, 1886** Simiskina Distant, 1886...
. Finally, there are some genera of uncertain status as regards their systematics
Systematics
Biological systematics is the study of the diversification of terrestrial life, both past and present, and the relationships among living things through time. Relationships are visualized as evolutionary trees...
and taxonomic validity. They might, if valid, be members of the monophyletic Lycaeninae, but this requires confirmation:
- AlciphroniaAlciphroniaAlciphronia is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....
- ApangeaApangeaApangea is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae ....
- KuluaKuluaKulua is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....
- MirzakhaniaMirzakhaniaMirzakhania is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....
- NesaNesa (butterfly)Nesa is a genus of butterfly in the family Lycaenidae....