Family overview
Small, often iridescent blue, copper, or hairstreak patterns. Many have tiny tails and 'false eye' spots on hindwings to confuse predators.
Many species have remarkable mutualisms with ants — caterpillars are tended by ants in exchange for sugary secretions.
At a glance
Family facts.
Distribution
Worldwide
Habitat
Terrestrial
Approx. species
6,000
Notable members
Eastern tailed-blue, gray hairstreak, American copper, Karner blue (endangered)