List of butterflies of India (Riodinidae)

The family Riodinidae or metalmarks are a family of small Old and New World butterflies. The common name refers to the bright, metallic spots marking the wings of many of its members.

In India they are better referred to as the family of Punches and Judies. Only 16 of the 1000 species are found in India.

Distinguishing features
  • Some consider this family as a subfamily of the Lycaenidae. Like the lycaenids, the males of this family have reduced forelegs while the females have full-sized, fully functional forelegs.
  • In addition to the traits listed above, the butterflies are generally characterized by
    • the foreleg of most males, in addition to being reduced, has a uniquely shaped first segment (the coxa) which extends beyond its joint with the second segment, rather than meeting it flush;
    • the hindwing exhibits unique venation; and
    • most species perch on the undersides of leaves with the wings held open and completely flat.

Classification

The family Riodinidae has two subfamilies of which only one is found in India. These subfamilies are:

List of species

This list of the Riodinid butterflies of India acts as an index to the species articles and forms part of the full List of butterflies of India.

Punchinello, Zemeros flegyas

Genus Zemeros, Punchinello

Genus Dodona, Punches
Tailed Judy, Abisara neophron

Genus Abisara, Judies

Genus Taxila, harlequin

Genus Stiboges, columbine

Life cycle
  • Eggs - Eggs vary in shape but often appear round and flattened.
  • Larva - Caterpillars are usually hairy, plump, and are the common overwintering stage.
  • Pupa - Pupa are hairy and attached with silk to either the host plant or to ground debris or leaf litter. There is no cocoon.

Food plants

Species of family Myrsinaceae, grasses and hill bamboos.

See also

References
  • Evans, W.H. (1932). The Identification of Indian Butterflies (2nd ed.). Mumbai, India: Bombay Natural History Society.
  • Beccaloni, George; Scoble, Malcolm; Kitching, Ian; Simonsen, Thomas; Robinson, Gaden; Pitkin, Brian; Hine, Adrian; Lyal, Chris. "The Global Lepidoptera Names Index (LepIndex)". Natural History Museum, London. Retrieved 2016-10-15.
  • Wynter-Blyth, Mark Alexander (1957). Butterflies of the Indian Region. Bombay, India: Bombay Natural History Society. ISBN 978-8170192329.
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