Riodinae

This family include some of the most variegated and richest marked butterfly species in the world . They mainly occur from Mexico to Brazil, but some species are known in Neoartic and Paleoarctic regions, but are generally quite rare and have small geographic ranges

They are now considered to be members of the Papilionoidea superfamily.

They sometimes resemble Ithomiids, Satyrids, Pierids ,Heliconids, lycaenids and even poisonous Moths . Batesian mimicry with Nymphalids is also seen

They are small to medium sized butterflies , and the metallic scales on many species gives rise to their common name of 'metalmarks'

Their distinguishing features (especially with their cousins the Lycaenids) include;

The forelegs of males are small and not used for walking (Females first legs are full size and functional). The male foreleg has a unique feature -the first segment (coxa) extends beyond the joint with the second segment (trochanter) rather than fitting flush. The costa of the hindwing is thickened to the humeral angle ,and the humeral vein is short but present (unlike Lycaenids). The antennae base is further away from the eyes in Riodinae and the antennae often reach halfway along the forewing

Some species are often secretive and live under tree cover, whilst others flit openly from flower to flower . Many like to walk about on their legs once they have landed on a flower, whilst others 'play dead' when removed from a net. In several species the individuals will hide in cover and simply extend their proboscis from where they sit in order to feed on a tasty morsel

There are about 1500 species

The Larvae feed on over 40 plant families including Araceae, Asteraceae ,Bromeliaceae, Cecropiaceae, Myrtaceae as well as bryophytes and lichens. Many species are myrmecophilous (relationship with ants) secreting liquids that the ants eat or allomones that influence their behaviour.

Adults mainly feed from carrion

The eggs are variable in appearance but often are round and flat or dome shaped. The caterpillars are hairy and plump.The pupae are attached by silk to the plant or lie in leaf litter. There is no cocoon.