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Glite Dictionary
genus Lycaena

genus Lycaena

9.9
Small, thin butterflies that have bright blue, green, or copper upper wings
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒɛnəs lɪˈkeɪnə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : género Lycaena
  • The genus Lycaena includes butterflies commonly known as coppers due to their wing coloration.

Examples

  • Researchers have documented many species within the genus Lycaena across North America and Eurasia.

  • Members of the genus Lycaena are often seen fluttering among the wildflowers in sunny meadows.

  • Members of the genus Lycaena are often seen in meadows during the summer months.

  • The genus Lycaena includes many beautiful butterflies.

  • Did you know that the genus Lycaena has over 100 species?

  • Researchers have documented a variety of species within the genus Lycaena that are found in both North America and Eurasia.

  • The genus Lycaena includes butterflies known as coppers, which are admired for their striking metallic wing colors.

Synonyms

Lycaena
vsgenus Lycaena
  • Specialized
9.9

A small butterfly with shiny blue, green or copper upper wings

is the same but shown with an explicit scientific rank in the name

Surface Forms

genus Lycaena singular
genera Lycaena plural

Morphology

genus + Lycaena

The phrase is fully compositional: 'genus' names a taxonomic rank and 'Lycaena' is the proper name of a butterfly group, so together they straightforwardly denote the taxonomic genus called Lycaena. This follows standard biological naming patterns found across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Genus Lycaena may come from an old Greek word 'lykaena' meaning 'she-wolf', a name early naturalists often borrowed from myths and stories. That's why genus Lycaena is now simply the label for a 'group' of small, bright butterflies commonly called coppers.