gossamer-winged butterfly; Lycaenidae
Refers to small butterflies of the family Lycaenidae, often with delicate wing patterns. The name is associated with the small size and sometimes the shape of the wings.
A small gossamer-winged butterfly was flying in the garden.
The larvae of gossamer-winged butterflies sometimes have a symbiotic relationship with ants.
General term for butterfly; シジミチョウ specifies a particular family.
Swallowtail butterfly; a different family, usually larger and with distinct wing shapes.
Katakana spelling is common for this butterfly name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling; rarely used in practice.
Alternate kanji spelling; rarely used.
The name likely derives from 蜆 (しじみ, 'freshwater clam'), possibly referring to the small size or wing shape reminiscent of a clam shell. The exact origin is uncertain.