Family Riodinidae [Metalmarks]

Recently upgraded to a family from the status of a subfamily of family Lycaenidae. Most members feature metallic markings on their wings, hence are called as metalmarks. The male forelegs are incomplete, nonfunctional and smaller than the rest. The foot [tarsus] is fused into a single segment and rarely has claws.  while in female all six legs are fully developed. Cells of both wings are closed by veins. In both sexes, HW costa is thickened upto the origin of the short humeral vein. No scent scales in male. Butterflies are small reddish brown with yellowish green eyes. The adults are active flyers and prefer shady forested areas. Have short hopping flight. Sit on leaves with half wings open and move as if walking on the surface. Members of this family in Western Ghats has no metallic markings. Caterpillars with head not hidden like Lycaenid. No dorsal honey gland.