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Glite Dictionary
Lycaenidae

Lycaenidae

1 9.9
Small brightly colored butterflies like blues and coppers
  • noun
  • /ˌlaɪsəˈniːdə/
  • Specialized
: Lycaenidae
  • The Lycaenidae are known for their vibrant colors and intricate wing patterns.

Examples

  • Like the larvae of many other species in the Lycaenidae family, Miami blues secrete small amounts of sugar- and carbohydrate-rich droplets, which the ants feverishly consume.

    Academic text (2006)

  • Many species within the Lycaenidae family are found in gardens, attracting butterfly enthusiasts.

  • The male Lycaenidae often have shorter forelegs compared to the females of the species.

Surface Forms

Lycaenidae singular
Lycaenidaes plural

Morphology

Lycaenidae = Lycaena (opaque) = lycaen + idae

The formation uses a specialized taxonomic suffix '-idae' attached to a Latinized genus name; this is not a productive, meaning-transparent formation for general learners.

Etymology

The word Lycaenidae comes from an old Greek group name Lycaena, which may be connected to the Greek lycos meaning 'wolf'. A helpful way to remember it is to picture these small, bright butterflies as the 'wolf' family, and that is why Lycaenidae names this family of small, colorful butterflies.