The Lycaenidae family is in Europe represented with over 100 species. These normally small butterflies are split up in tre large commonly known groups, called Blues(Polyommatinae), Coppers(Lycaeninae) and Hairstreaks(Theclinae).

As with most small butterflies like the Lycaenidae, the identification task can be a major challenge. And when you think you got it, this family can take it one step further with the genus called Agrodiaetus (Anomalous Blue). Meaning that the uppersides of both sexes are brown, which normally only applies to the female.

There is a fourth sub-family in Lycaenidae called Metalmarks(Riodininae), though in older books sometimes placed in its own family - Riodinidae. The Riodininae is represented in Europe with only one species - Hamearis lucina. In the tropical regions of South-America, Asia and Africa this sub-family is very numerous.