lycaenid

Lycaenid, or Lycaenidae, refers to a family of butterflies commonly called gossamer-winged butterflies. With about 6,000 described species, it is the second-largest family of butterflies, occurring worldwide though most diverse in the tropics.

The family comprises several subfamilies, including Theclinae (hairstreaks), Lycaeninae (coppers), Polyommatinae (blues), as well as Miletinae and Aphnaeinae. Collectively, they are typically small to medium-sized, often brightly colored, with delicate wings; many have tails on the hindwings.

A distinctive feature is frequent associations with ants (myrmecophily). Ants may tend larvae for sugary secretions or protect them from predators. In some subfamilies, larvae are predatory on aphids or scale insects rather than feeding on plants.

Adults feed mainly on nectar; eggs are laid on host plants chosen by females. Larval host plants vary widely among species, including legumes (Fabaceae) and other herbaceous and woody plants.

They are found globally, and several species are of conservation concern due to habitat loss and climate change. Lycaenids are valued for their aesthetic appeal and as indicators of healthy ecosystems.