The Riodinidae or Metalmarks are a family of approximately 1000 species of the Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths). Earlier considered part of Family Libyteidae and then of Family Lycaenidae, they are now recognised as a distinct family.
The are generally smallish butterflies; the common name "metalmarks" refers to small metallic-looking spots commonly found on their wings (a feature less characteristic of my local species).
My local Riodinidae are predominantly represented by the Punches and Judies, images of which you can see above.
Perhaps befitting their nature, they are named after Punch and Judy, a traditional popular puppet show with its origins in the 1600s featuring Mr. Punch and his wife, Judy. The performance consists of a sequence of short scenes, each depicting an interaction between two characters, most typically the violent Punch and one other character. It is often associated with traditional English seaside culture.
Fearlessness and curiosity is a trait shared by many of the local species; most notably the Tailed Judy (Abisara neophron), easily one of my favourite butterflies to photograph, because they pose and prance and pursue you if you try to leave.
But it is a trait shared across the family. The individual in this image was enamoured with me as I was drenched in sweat and was a source of salts which would routinely be obtained from the ground. I have a series of images of this guy on all exposed parts of my body and my clothing. No amount of shoo-ing would dissuade him and I eventually gave up trying to do so. When I moved on, he ended up riding my backpack for a hundred metres or so before the call to defend his territory was too much.
Pu'er, Yunnan, China
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