Miletinae

Miletinae is a subfamily of the butterfly family Lycaenidae, the gossamer-winged butterflies. It contains several genera, including Miletus, and its species are primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.

A distinctive feature of Miletinae is their larval diet. Many species have predatory or myrmecophagous larvae that feed on small insects such as aphids, scale insects, or mealybugs, rather than on plant material. They often live near prey colonies and form ant associations, or myrmecophily, exchanging nutrients for protection.

Adults are small and delicate, with color patterns ranging from browns and oranges to iridescent blues in some species. Hindwing tails are present in several members of the group. The life histories of Miletinae are closely tied to the ecology of their prey and ant partners.

Taxonomy and distribution: Most authorities recognize Miletinae as a Lycaenid subfamily, though its internal classification has varied, with references to tribes such as Miletini. The group’s diversity is greatest in tropical regions.

Conservation: Because their survival depends on specific prey and ant associations, Miletinae can be vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance of insect communities; several species are rare or poorly known.