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.
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[edit] Taxonomy
While some taxonomists treat Riodinidae as a distinct family within the superfamily Papilionoidea others treat them as a Riodininae, 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 another recognised Subfamily Libytheinae. The old name for the family is Nemeobiidae.
[edit] Distinguishing Features
- Some sources consider this family to be a subfamily of the Lycaenidae. Like the Lycaenids, the males of this family have reduced forelegs while the females have full-sized, fully functional forelegs.
- In addition to the traits listed above, the butterflies are generally characterized by the foreleg of most males, in addition to being reduced, has a uniquely shaped first segment (the coxa) which extends beyond its joint with the second segment, rather than meeting it flush;
- the hindwing exhibits unique venation; and
- 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
Pupa are hairy and attached with silk to either the host plant or to ground debris or leaf litter.There is no cocoon.
[edit] Foodplants
[edit] References
- Evans, W.H. (1932) The Identification of Indian Butterflies. (2nd Ed), Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai, India
- Gay, Thomas; Kehimkar, Isaac & Punetha, J.C.(1992) Common Butterflies of India. WWF-India and Oxford University Press, Mumbai, India.
- Haribal, Meena (1994) Butterflies of Sikkim Himalaya and their Natural History.
- Kunte, Krushnamegh (2005) Butterflies of Peninsular India. Universities Press.
- Wynter-Blyth, M.A. (1957) Butterflies of the Indian Region, Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai, India.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
