A phylogenetic revision of the Glaucopsyche section (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), with special focus on the Phengaris-Maculinea clade

► Butterflies of the Glaucopsyche section vary in food-plant and host-ant associations. ► To understand this life history diversity, we reconstructed the molecular phylogeny. ► The recovered clades correspond to food-plant associations, with one exception. ► The clade, comprising monophyletic Maculinea nested within Phengaris, does not comply. ► We find evidence for additional potential cryptic species within Maculinea.