Riodinidae
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 Lange's Metalmark Butterfly
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The Riodinidae (or Metalmarks) are a family of butterflies. The common name Metalmark refers to the small metallic-looking spots commonly found on their wings. There are approximately 1,000 species of Metalmark butterflies in the world. The family is represented both in the New World and the Old World. This family is sometimes treated as a subfamily Riodininae under the family Lycaenidae.
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[edit] Taxonomy
While some taxonomists treat Riodinidae as a distinct family within the superfamily Papilionoidea others treat them as a subfamily under the Lycaenidae. Earlier they were considered to be part of the now defunct Family Erycinidae, which now has its species divided between this family and the subfamily Libytheinae. Another older name for the family is Nemeobiidae.
[edit] Distinguishing Features
Like the Lycaenids, the males of this family have reduced forelegs while the females have full-sized, fully functional forelegs. The foreleg of males, is often reduced and has a uniquely shaped first segment (the coxa) which extends beyond its joint with the second segment, rather than meeting it flush; They have a unique venation on the hindwing. The costa of the hind wing is thickened out to the humeral angle and the humeral vein is short.[1] Most species perch on the undersides of leaves with the wings held open and completely flat.
[edit] Classification
The family Riodinidae comprises of two subfamilies. They are :
- Euselasiinae. Has two genera.
- Riodininae. Has 36 genera.
[edit] Life Cycle
[edit] Eggs
Eggs vary in shape but often appear round and flattened.
[edit] Larva
The caterpillars are usually hairy, plump, and are the common overwintering stage.
[edit] Pupa
Pupae are hairy and attached with silk to either the host plant or to ground debris or leaf litter. There is no cocoon.
[edit] Foodplants
The larvae feed on plants of the families Araceae, Asteraceae, Bromeliaceae, Bombacaceae, Cecropiaceae, Clusiaceae, Dilleniaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lecythidaceae, Loranthaceae, Malpighiaceae, Marantaceae, Melastomataceae, Myrtaceae, Orchidaceae, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae, Zingiberaceae as well as bryophytes and lichens.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ Borror, Donald J.,Triplehorn, Charles A.; Johnson, Norman F. Introduction to the Study of Insects, An (6th ed.)
- ^ DeVries, P. J. in Levin, S. A. (ed.) 2001. Encyclopaedia of Biodiversity. Academic Press.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
