LYCAENIDAE 
70 
We find tlmt structural divisions of marked utility in worldwide classification, often fail to preserve 
their full value when applied to a local fauna such as the Australian: or to view the question from 
another aspect: in classifying the species of a limited faunal area, it is difficult to decide upon divisional 
structural characters, that have a general api>lieation beyond the area. This is due to special local 
develo])nients in some directions, and to limitations in others. The divisions we now propose, if not 
entirely satisfactory, will at any rate be a distinct advance upon anything previously suggested for the 
Australian Lycaenidae. 
The venation of the greater number of the Australian Lycaenids is somewhat similar, but several 
genera show very considerable development. Vein 8 of the forewing is absent in most of the species: 
it has been retained in one genus (Liphyra) and in the males only of another {Froiialmenus), feio 
9 in addition to vein 8, has been lost in one genus {ny}:>olycaena). The imsition of vein 11 in regard 
to vein 12 is distinctly variable; in three genera these veins are anastomosed for nearly their whole 
length; in other genera they fuse for a variable distance and then part: in others they are connected 
by a short spur: in others they approach and touch but do not fuse: in others they are bent toward^ 
each other but do not touch: and in yet other genera they run parallel. 
Tn dividing the Lyeaenidae into subfamilies we find that all Avriters agree that the genus liphfra 
constitutes a subfamily in itself: the LTPHYRTNAE. We agree with Col. Bingham in the establishment 
of a subfamily for the genus Arhopala and its allies: the ABTTOPALTXAE. The remaining genera 
fall into tAvo natural main diA’isions: the THECLTNAE Avith an anal lobe in the hindwing, and the 
LYCAEhTTKAE Avifh this lohe’absent. We haA^e separated the peculiarly Australian genus Ogym. 
more upon account of the habits and facies of its species than npon any striking structural characters: 
the OGYPThTAE. We also propose a iieAv subfamily for three genera of differing habits and facies. 
AAdiich contain the only Australian Lycaenids witli vein G of the foreAving arising from vein 7 well beyond 
end of cell: the LITCTTNAE. This giA^es us six subfamilies for the Australian Lyeaenidae^ as tabulated 
in the following key. 
Key to the Subfamilies of LTCAENIDAE, 
A. Vein 7 of foreAving reaching costa before apex. 
a. ForeAving Avith A’ein G arising from cell. 
at. Eorewing Avitli vein 5 and vein G not approximate at base. 
rt“. HindAving Avitbout anal lobe: foreAving Avith eleven veins: of small she . 
h^. Hindwing with imperfectly dev’eloped anal lobe: foreAving Avith eleven A^eins: 
of lai'ge size . 
HindAving.Avitb Avell developed anal lobe: forewing Avith tAveh^e, eleA^en or ten 
A^eins in the male, and Avith eleven or ten veins in the female: of moderate 
size . 
7)^. EoreAYing Avith vein o and vein G approximale at base.■.. 
h. Eorewing Avith vein G arising from A’ein 7 Avell beyond cell . 
B. Vein 7 of foreAving reaching teimien beyond apex: foreAving Avith tweh'e veins 
LYGAEmAE. 
oarmxAE. 
THECLIXAE. 
aphotalixae. 
LUGIIXAE. 
LIPH7RJXAE. 
All the butterflies of the family haA'e a more or less similar scheme of markings both above and 
beneath. Psualh’ the margins of the foreAving above are hroAvn or black, and the central area Fomc 
shade of blue.. The comparatAe extent of the hroAvn and the blue area is exh’emely variable: the male 
of Candalides ahsiinilis has the dai*k margins linear, and the blue central area occupying nearly the 
Avhole of the Aving: the male of Bindahara isahelht has the Avhole of the Aving black: betAA-een the?e iiro 
extremes are mauA’ modifications. Tn a feAv s]Aeeies the males shoAV a small Avhite area, usually below 
the cell. This Avhite area is more often present in the female: it occurs beloAV the cell in the 
Thysonotis, extends into the cell in some species of Nacadttha and Candalides, and occurs as a small area 
beyond cell in some species of Oyyris. Tn many species, especially of the Theelinae, the end of the cell'=• 
marked by a short dai‘k bar, distinct n]Aon the paler central area. The hindwing above is usually 
coloured as in the foreAving, but AA'ith the dark margins broader and their inner edges less cleany 
defined: a Avhite central area is less usual than on the foreAving, but a bine central area is seldom entirely 
absent: there is often a subterminal series of dar’k snots, ahvays clearer and darker at the tornus, and 
always more pronounced in the female. 
