The Gossamer-wing butterflies (Lycaenidae) are a family of butterflies that includes the Hairstreaks (Theclinae), Coppers (Lycaeninae), and Blues (Polyommatinae). It is the second-largest family, after the Brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae), with approximately 6,000 species worldwide. They are small to medium-sized butterflies with a wingspan of 15-80mm. The adult butterflies often have filamentous antennae that are ringed alternately black and white. Males are the most colourful with all the colours of the rainbow. Females are dull colored. The different species can often only be recognised by the spot pattern on the underside of the wings. A photo of the top and bottom of the wing is usually necessary for proper identification. All legs are well developed in both males and females, although the front legs of males are less well developed and smaller than in females. All legs have a pair of claws, except for the front legs of the male, which have a single claw.
