Riodinidae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Riodinidae |
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| Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina) | |
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Riodinidae
Grote, 1895
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Riodinidae is a group of butterflies known as a family. People often call them riodinids or metalmarks. They get the name "metalmarks" because many of them have shiny, metallic-looking spots on their wings.
There are almost 2,000 different kinds, or species, of metalmark butterflies. Most of these butterflies live in the Neotropical region, which includes parts of Central and South America. Metalmarks are usually small. Their wingspan (how wide they are with their wings open) is about 20mm to 65mm. They come in many different wing shapes, patterns, and colors.
The Riodinidae family used to be called Nemeobiidae or Erycinidae. At one point, scientists even thought they were a smaller group, or subfamily, within the Lycaenidae family.
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What Makes Metalmarks Special?
Metalmark butterflies have some unique features. Like the lycaenid butterflies, the male metalmarks have smaller front legs. However, the female metalmarks have full-sized front legs that work normally.
The first part of a male's front leg, called the coxa, is shaped in a special way. It sticks out past the joint where it connects to the next part of the leg. Also, their back wings have a unique pattern of veins. The main vein along the front edge of the back wing is thicker near the shoulder, and a small vein called the humeral vein is very short.
Main Groups of Metalmarks
Scientists divide the Riodinidae family into smaller groups called subfamilies. These include:
- Euselasiinae
- Nemeobiinae - Sometimes this group is seen as an even smaller division called a tribe.
- Riodininae
Some Common Metalmark Species
Here are a few examples of metalmark butterflies:
- Hamearis lucina - This one is known as the Duke of Burgundy.
- Apodemia mormo - Called the Mormon Metalmark.
- Lasaia sula - Known as the Blue Metalmark.
- Melanis pixe - This butterfly is called the Red-bordered Pixie.
Images for kids
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Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina)
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The Amazonas tropical rainforest is home to most Riodinidae species.
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See also
In Spanish: Riodinidae para niños
