Nässelfjärilar

Nässelfjärilar is a Swedish term that translates to "nettle butterflies." This common name is used for butterflies belonging to the family Nymphalidae, specifically those within the subfamily Nymphalinae. The primary reason for this association is the larval host plant. The caterpillars of many species within this group feed on plants in the Urtica genus, most notably stinging nettle (Urtica dioica).

Several common European species fall under the umbrella of "nässelfjärilar." These include the Peacock butterfly (Aglais io), the Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta), and the Comma (Polygonia c-album). These butterflies are characterized by their medium size, often brightly colored and patterned wings, and their habit of resting with their wings folded upright.

The life cycle of nässelfjärilar begins with eggs laid on the host plant. The hatching caterpillars consume large amounts of nettle leaves, growing rapidly through several instars. Once fully grown, they pupate, forming a chrysalis. The adult butterflies emerge from the chrysalis and feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. They are often seen in gardens, meadows, and woodland edges. Their ability to thrive in disturbed habitats, such as those with abundant nettles, contributes to their widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. The term "nässelfjärilar" is primarily used in a colloquial or descriptive sense in Swedish, referring to this ecologically linked group of butterflies rather than a strict taxonomic classification.