Nymphalis

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Nymphalis
Compton Tortoiseshell, Temagami.jpg
Compton tortoiseshell, N. vaualbum, Temagami, Ontario, Canada
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Tribe: Nymphalini
Genus: Nymphalis
Kluk, 1780 [1]
Species

Six, see text

Synonyms
  • EuvanessaScudder, 1889
  • RoddiaKorshunov,1995
  • AntiopanaKorb, 2005

Nymphalis, commonly known as the tortoiseshells or anglewing butterflies, is a genus of brush-footed butterflies. The genera Aglais , Inachis , Polygonia and Kaniska , were sometimes included as subgenera of Nymphalis [2] but they may instead be treated as distinct genera. [3] See also anglewing butterflies. For other butterflies named tortoiseshells, see the genus Aglais .

Contents

The name Nymphalis, established by Jan Krzysztof Kluk in 1780, [4] is the oldest name among the generic names for a relatively small group of butterflies collectively known as anglewing butterflies. In zoological nomenclature, the oldest name has a priority over other names. The collective name anglewing butterflies is derived from a Latinised term Papiliones angulati. This name was probably used for the first time by Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775–1776. The anglewing butterflies as a group are characterized by a cryptic silhouette and by the colouration and pattern on the ventral side of both wings. This signature mark is an important taxonomic characteristic as well as a significant evolutionary adaptation.

During winter months, in latitudes with snow cover, all members of this group hibernate as adult butterflies. [5] During hibernation, hidden in various shelters, the butterflies are dormant. The camouflage provided by crypsis is advantageous to hibernating butterflies. Potential predators will have difficulties in seeing the dormant butterflies. With their wings closed, exposing only the ventral cryptically coloured underside, they blend in with their surroundings.

Today, the anglewing butterflies are found only in the northern hemisphere. Carl Linnaeus described the first members of this group in 1758, and it has since become clear that anglewing butterflies evolved from a common ancestor. The most recent studies include Nylin et al., 2001; Wahlberg & Nylin, 2003; Wahlberg et al. 2011, 2009, 2005. The sister group of Nymphalis is Vanessa .

Species

Listed alphabetically: [2]

Images of species

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nymphalidae</span> Largest butterfly family

The Nymphalidae are the largest family of butterflies, with more than 6,000 species distributed throughout most of the world. Belonging to the superfamily Papilionoidea, they are usually medium-sized to large butterflies. Most species have a reduced pair of forelegs and many hold their colourful wings flat when resting. They are also called brush-footed butterflies or four-footed butterflies, because they are known to stand on only four legs while the other two are curled up; in some species, these forelegs have a brush-like set of hairs, which gives this family its other common name. Many species are brightly coloured and include popular species such as the emperors, monarch butterfly, admirals, tortoiseshells, and fritillaries. However, the under wings are, in contrast, often dull and in some species look remarkably like dead leaves, or are much paler, producing a cryptic effect that helps the butterflies blend into their surroundings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Small tortoiseshell</span> Species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae

The small tortoiseshell is a colourful Eurasian butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Adults feed on nectar and may hibernate over winter; in warmer climates they may have two broods in a season. While the dorsal surface of the wings is vividly marked, the ventral surface is drab, providing camouflage. Eggs are laid on the common nettle, on which the larvae feed.

<i>Nymphalis antiopa</i> Species of butterfly

Nymphalis antiopa, known as the mourning cloak in North America and the Camberwell beauty in Britain, is a large butterfly native to Eurasia and North America. The immature form of this species is sometimes known as the spiny elm caterpillar. Other older names for this species include grand surprise and white petticoat. A powerful flier, this species is sometimes found in areas far from its usual range during migration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Large tortoiseshell</span> Species of butterfly

The large tortoiseshell or blackleg tortoiseshell is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.

<i>Polygonia</i> Genus of insects

Polygonia is a genus of butterflies with a conspicuous white mark on the underside of each hindwing, hence the common name comma. They also have conspicuous angular notches on the outer edges of their forewings, hence the other common name anglewing butterflies. The related genus Nymphalis also includes some anglewing species; Polygonia is sometimes classified as a subgenus of Nymphalis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nymphalini</span> Tribe of butterflies

Nymphalini is a tribe of nymphalid brush-footed butterflies. Common names include admirals, anglewings, commas, and tortoiseshells, but none of these is specific to one particular genus.

<i>Nymphalis xanthomelas</i> Species of butterfly

Nymphalis xanthomelas, the scarce tortoiseshell, is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in eastern Europe and Asia. This butterfly is also referred as yellow-legged tortoiseshell or large tortoiseshell.

<i>Nymphalis vaualbum</i> Species of butterfly

Nymphalis vaualbum or N. l-album, the Compton tortoiseshell, or false comma, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae.

<i>Aglais</i> Genus of butterflies

Aglais is a Holarctic genus of brush-footed butterflies, containing the tortoiseshells. This genus is sometimes indicated as a subgenus of Nymphalis or simply being an unnecessary division from the genus Nymphalis, which also includes tortoiseshells, but it is usually considered to be separate. This proposed separate genus is also considered "brushfooted butterflies" historically together with the other or separate Nymphalis species.

References

  1. ↑ Nymphalis, ITIS Report
  2. 1 2 "Nymphalis Kluk, 1780" at Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and Some Other Life Forms
  3. ↑ http://www.nhm.ac.uk/research-curation/research/projects/lepindex/ Lepindex
  4. ↑ Nymphalis Kluk, [1780]. – Hist. nat. pocz. gospod. 4: 86. – TS: Papilio polychloros Linnaeus, 1758 Systema Naturae (Edn. 10) 1: 477. Subsequently designated by Hemming (1933), The Entomologist 66: 223.
  5. ↑ Scott, J. A. (1999). Hibernal diapause of North American Papilionoidea and Hesperioidea. Archived 2018-10-08 at the Wayback Machine Journal of Research on the Lepidoptera 18(3):171-200.
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