Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Nymphalidae

Nymphalidae


Red Admiral
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Superfamily:Papilionoidea
Family:Nymphalidae
The Nymphalidae are an order of about 5,000 species of butterflies.

These are typically fairly large butterfies, such as the admirals, tortoiseshells and fritillaries, which have very colourful upperparts. However, the underwings are dull and often look like dead leaves, which helps to conceal stationary or hibernating insects.

The front two legs are small, so these butterflies are effectively four-legged. The caterpillars are hairy or spiky, and the crysalids have shiny spots.

Several species are attracted to Buddleia, the butterfly plant.

Species include



Small Tortoiseshell