Butterflies

Definition

A monophyletic group of day-flying Lepidoptera in the superfamily Papilionoidea, distinguished from moths by clubbed antennae, typically broad and brightly patterned wings held vertically together when at rest, and a characteristic fluttering flight pattern. The clade comprises the families Hesperiidae (skippers), Papilionidae (swallowtails), Pieridae (whites and sulphurs), Lycaenidae (blues, coppers, and hairstreaks), Riodinidae (metalmarks), and Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies).

Etymology

From Middle English buterflie, buttorfleoge, compound of butere (butter) and flie (fly); folk etymology suggests the yellow wings of common species like the brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) resembled butter.

Example

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) undergoes multigenerational migration across North America, with individuals navigating using a circadian clock and sun compass integrated in the antennae.

Synonyms

• Papilionoidea

Related Terms

• moths
• Lepidoptera
• skippers
• Papilionidae
• Nymphalidae
• clubbed antennae
• scales
• complete metamorphosis
• mimicry
• pollination

Usage Notes

In strict usage, 'butterfly' refers specifically to Papilionoidea, excluding skippers (Hesperiidae) in some older classifications; modern phylogenetics treats Hesperiidae as the sister group to other butterflies. The term is often used more loosely in popular contexts to include any day-flying Lepidoptera. Contrast with moths: butterflies typically rest with wings folded vertically, have clubbed antennae (versus feathery or thread-like), and lack the frenulum wing-coupling mechanism found in most moth lineages. The superfamily is estimated to contain roughly 18,000–20,000 described species.