Lycaenidae

The Lycaenidae are the second-largest family of butterflies, with about 6000 species worldwide, whose members are also called gossamer-winged butterflies. They constitute about 40% of the known butterfly species.

There are mainly colouredred, blue, brown, or white, and are rarely green or yellow. The hind wings are rounded and in a number of species have long tail. The family has  genera in all part of the world, and some species have a very wide range.

The smaller species frequent flowers in meadows driving away larger butterflies as well as members of their own species. The larger species are strong fliers capable of travelling large distances.