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harvester
butterfly
Also known as: Miletinae
harvester, (subfamily Miletinae), any of a group of predatory insects in the gossamer-winged butterfly family, Lycaenidae (order Lepidoptera), that are rapid fliers and are distinguished by iridescent wings that are usually brownish above and spotted below. The maleās forelegs are reduced, but the femaleās are fully developed.
Harvesters are distinguished by their predatory habits during the larval stage. The squat, hairy larvae of Feniseca tarquinius, known in some areas as wanderers, attack aphids and are generally found on hawthorn and alder trees. It is the only species of harvester found in the United States.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.
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