HARVESTER

in farming, any of several machines for harvesting; the design and function of harvesters varies widely according to crop. See binder; combine; corn harvester; cotton harvester; header; reaper; thresher; windrower. See also entries for particular crops (e.g., hay, for hay-cutting equipment). in biology, any member of the insect subfamily Gerydinae of the widely distributed Lycaenidae family of common butterflies (order Lepidoptera). Adult lycaenids, sometimes known as gossamer-winged butterflies, are small and delicate, with an 18- to 38-millimetre (0.75- to 1.5-inch) wingspan. They are rapid fliers and are usually distinguished by iridescent wings. The wings of the harvester are usually brownish above and spotted below; the male's forelegs are reduced, but the female's 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.