Tropical Brushfoots

Biblidinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Biblidinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Biblidinae: //bɪˈblɪdɪnaɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Hamadryas februa ssp. ferentina by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Lepidoptera - Hamadryas februa and Hamadryas guatemalena by Emőke Dénes. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Dynamine postverta postverta MHNT ventre male by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Hamadryas februa 20zz by Photo by David J. Stang. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Hamadryas feronia in Viçosa-MG, Brazil by André Ribeiro Cardoso. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Dynamine postverta postverta MHNT dos male by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Biblidinae is a subfamily of tropical brushfoot butterflies characterized by their vibrant colors and distinct larval features. They are a well-defined monophyletic group mainly found in tropical regions.

Physical Characteristics

Adult Biblidinae display brilliant flashy patterns above and often have cryptic coloration on the underside. The larvae typically bear mid-dorsal spines and may possess long knobbed 'horns' on their heads.

Identification Tips

Look for vibrant coloration on the upper side of the wings and cryptic patterns on the underside. Presence of mid-dorsal spines on larvae can also be a distinguishing factor.

Habitat

Primarily found in tropical regions of the Americas, with some representation in the Indo-Oriental and African tropics.

Distribution

Most species are Neotropical, with some Old World species and genera located in the tribes Biblidini and Epicaliini.

Diet

Adult butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, while larvae typically feed on various host plants depending on the species.

Life Cycle

Undergo a complete metamorphosis, passing through egg, larval (caterpillar), pupal (chrysalis), and adult stages.

Reproduction

Biblidinae are known to reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs on suitable host plants for larvae to feed upon after hatching.

Predators

Adult butterflies and larvae can fall prey to birds, other insects, and some mammals.

Ecosystem Role

Biblidinae play a role as pollinators in their ecosystems and are also part of the food web serving as prey for various predators.

Evolution

Molecular studies indicate that Biblidinae are closely related to the Nymphalinae subfamily, sharing morphological traits and certain characteristics in larval development.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Biblidinae was sometimes mistakenly classified under the Limenitidinae subfamily due to superficial similarities in appearance.