Nymphalidae

Nymphalidae is a diverse family of butterflies in the order Lepidoptera, commonly known as brush-footed butterflies due to the reduced first pair of legs, which are not used for walking.

With about 5,000 described species, the family includes many well-known genera such as Danaus (monarchs), Vanessa (admirals), Nymphalis (tortoiseshells), Heliconius (longwings), and Junonia. They occur worldwide, from tropical forests to temperate regions, though diversity peaks in the tropics.

Adults typically have robust bodies and large wings; the forelegs are reduced and held close to the body, so they appear to have four legs. Wing patterns range from cryptic browns to vivid aposematic coloration and mimicry; Heliconius species exemplify Müllerian mimicry.

Ecology and life cycle: Most nymphalids rely on specific host plants for larvae; many feed on herbaceous plants, while some subfamilies feed on woody hosts. Danaus caterpillars feed on milkweeds and sequester toxins. Adults drink nectar, fruit, sap, or dung. Eggs are laid on the host plant; larvae molt through several instars; pupation forms a chrysalis, from which the adult emerges. In temperate regions, many overwinter as adults or in the chrysalis.

Conservation and research: Nymphalidae play important roles in pollination and as model organisms in studies of mimicry, speciation, and phylogeny. Habitat loss and climate change threaten some species, while others are widespread and common.