Polyommatinae in the context of "Eyespot (mimicry)"

Play Trivia Questions online!

or

Skip to study material about Polyommatinae in the context of "Eyespot (mimicry)"




⭐ Core Definition: Polyommatinae

Polyommatinae, the blues, are a diverse subfamily of gossamer-winged butterflies (family Lycaenidae). This subfamily of butterfly was discovered in 1775. The group takes its name from its type genus Polyommatus; this scientific name means "(one of) many eyes" (poly-+ommatos), referencing the ocelli on their wings. The blues derive their common name from the coloration of males in most species.

These butterflies have been considered one of the poorest studied groups within the family Lycaenida;. This subfamily was long used to assign taxa of unclear relationships (incertae sedis), and its contents and phylogeny are still in need of revision.

↓ Menu

In this Dossier

Polyommatinae in the context of Lycaenidae

Lycaenidae is the second-largest family of butterflies (behind Nymphalidae, brush-footed butterflies), with over 6,000 species worldwide, whose members are also called gossamer-winged butterflies. They constitute about 30% of the known butterfly species.

The family comprises seven subfamilies, including the blues (Polyommatinae), the coppers (Lycaeninae), the hairstreaks (Theclinae), and the harvesters (Miletinae).

↑ Return to Menu

Polyommatinae in the context of Lycaeninae

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 clades close to that group.

↑ Return to Menu