Read about related Lepidoptera by using the "Forward" and "Backward" device icons. The butterfly members of this Order of insects include the popular and usually colorful species. Butterfly groups include monarchs, satyrs, dagerwings, leaf-wings, owls, buckeyes, admirals, checkerspots, crecents, fritillaries, heliconids, riodinids, blues, hairstreaks, coppers, whites, orange-tips, sulphurs and swallowtails.

Riodinid Butterfly Caria mantinea amazonica Lepidoptera Riodinidae This beautiful Riodinid jewel boldly presented its emerald metallic scales as it sampled minerals provided by a puddle on the trail on Southern Brazil. Although small, this Riodinid has strong flight. This species exhibits a midday sunning characteristic, while others Riodinids are much more elusive, rarely venture out of their forest retreat. Some Riodinids are attracted to fish and carrion. Metallic coloration is achieved through the diffraction of sunlight by a series of minutely spaces ridges on each scale of the butterfly wing. View the Index of Orders View Complete Photo List Ants, Bees & Wasps Butterflies & Moths Flies Beetles Lacewings & Antlions Leafhoppers & Cicadas True Bugs Cockroaches Praying Mantids Grasshoppers, Crickets Walking Sticks Dragonflies & Damselflies Mayflies Non-Insects