NYMPHALIDAE – THE BRUSH-FOOTED BUTTERFLIES
Nymphalidae – The Brush-footed Butterflies are among the most diverse and widespread families of diurnal butterflies, exhibiting a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. This family includes subfamilies such as admirals, emperors, morphos, and fritillaries. Nymphalidae are characterized by often bright and attractive patterns and colors. Caterpillars of some species feed on specific plants, while others have a more generalist diet. Some members undertake spectacular long-distance migrations. Nymphalidae are widespread worldwide and play varied roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and sometimes as food sources for other animals.

Characteristics

• Butterflies of medium to large size (30–80 mm wingspan)
• Robust wings, often vividly colored, sometimes mimetic or cryptic
• Reduced and non-functional forelegs (appearing to have only 4 legs)
• Powerful flight, often jerky or gliding
• Resting posture: wings open or partially closed

Habitat

Nymphalidae occupy:

• Forest edges, clearings, flower-rich meadows, wastelands, gardens
• Dry or humid environments, from plains to alpine zones
• In tropical zones: primary forest, mangrove, savanna

Biology

• Eggs laid singly or in small groups on diverse host plants
• Often spiny caterpillars, sometimes mimetic
• Pupation in a naked chrysalis, suspended head downward
• Multiple generations per year for multivoltine species
• Some species migrate long distances

Frequent Subfamilies and Genera

• Nymphalinae – Vanessa, Aglais, Polygonia, Melitaea, Euphydryas
• Satyrinae – Maniola, Hipparchia, Coenonympha, Melanargia (often brown or ocellated)
• Heliconiinae – Argynnis, Issoria, Fabriciana (orange wings spotted with black)
• Limenitidinae – Limenitis, Neptis
• Danainae – Danaus plexippus (monarch), tropical mimetic species

Iconic Species

• Vanessa atalanta – Red Admiral: black and red, common migrant
• Aglais io – Peacock butterfly: colorful eyespots, overwinters in buildings
• Melanargia galathea – Marbled White: black and white marbled, visible in summer
• Maniola jurtina – Meadow Brown: dull brown, very common in meadows
• Argynnis paphia – Silver-washed Fritillary: large orange butterfly with spots

Particularities

• High ecological diversity and adaptability to habitats
• Many species are bioindicators of meadow and edge quality
• Several species overwinter as adults (e.g., Aglais io, Vanessa atalanta)
• Some species (Danainae) participate in mimicry networks

Genus Apatura

Apatura is a genus of butterflies called “emperors” in English (Mars in French),

Apatura ilia – Lesser Purple Emperor

Genus Argynnis

Argynnis sp

Argynnis pandora – Cardinal

Argynnis paphia – Silver-washed Fritillary

wiki link

Genus Boloria

Boloria selene – Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

Genus Brintesia

Brintesia circe – The Great Banded Grayling

The Great Banded Grayling is a large butterfly of brown color striped with a straight cream-white submarginal band, with a black eyespot subtly white-pupilled at the apex of the forewings.

Genus Cethosia

Cethosia cyane – Leopard Lacewing

Cethosia cyane inhabits mid-altitude subtropical forests from South Asia through Southeast Asia to southern China.

A leopard lacewing photographed in Cambodia in 2023.

Genus Danaus

Danaus genutia – Common Tiger

Genus Elymnias

Elymnias hypermnestra – Common Palmfly

Genus Erebia

Erebia melampus – Lesser Mountain Ringlet

Erebia aethiops – Woodland Ringlet

Erebia mnestra – Mnestra’s Ringlet

Genus Hypolimnas

Hypolimnas bolina – Great Eggfly

Genus Lebadea

Lebadea martha – Knight

Genus Lexias

Lexias pardalis – Archduke

Genus Limenitis

Limenitis reducta – Southern White Admiral

Genus Maniola

Maniola jurtina – Meadow Brown

Genus Minois

Minois dryas – Glanville Fritillary

Genus Pararge

Pararge aegeria – Speckled Wood

Genus Parthenos

Parthenos sylvia – Clipper

Genus Vanessa

Vanessa atalanta – Red Admiral