What is "lycaena"

Lycaena \Lycaena\ n. The type genus of the Lycaenidae; small slender butterflies with upper surface of wings usually metallic blue or green or copper.

Syn: genus Lycaena.

Lycaena is a butterfly genus.The genus range is Holarctic, with the exception of four species found in New Zealand, two in South Africa, one in New Guinea and one in Java. It is commonly divided into several subgenera, such as Antipodolycaena. Many formerly independent genera are now subsumed within Lycaena; the genus Gaiedes may also belong here. Many of the subgenera, species-groups and species listed here may be synonyms.