Leafwings and relatives

Charaxinae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Charaxinae: //kəˈraksɪnaɪ//

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

Images

Anaea aidea 152827319 by José Belem Hernández Díaz. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Anaea andria 117178848 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Tropical leafwing (Anaea aidea) by Anne Toal from US. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Anaea aidea 2 by Anne Toal from US. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Goatweed Leafwing, Anaea andria, male (2) by Bill Bouton from San Luis Obispo, CA, USA. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Archaeoprepona demophon demophon MHNT dos by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

The Charaxinae subfamily consists of robust, fast flying butterflies known for their unique coloration and feeding habits, primarily residing in tropical areas but some extending into temperate regions.

Physical Characteristics

Medium sized butterflies, often bright orange above and mottled gray or brown below; hindwings usually have jagged edges.

Identification Tips

Look for robust body structure and attractive colors; underwing resembles dead leaves when wings are closed.

Habitat

Primarily tropical regions; some species extend into temperate regions including North America, Europe, China, and southern Australia.

Distribution

Tropics with some species in temperate regions around the world.

Diet

Primarily saprophagous; adults prefer to feed on liquids from carrion, dung, and rotten fruits rather than nectar from flowers.

Life Cycle

Eggs are smooth and round with a somewhat concave apex; adult butterflies are robust, fast flyers.

Reproduction

Males establish territories and are often found perched on tree trunks, branches, or on the ground.

Ecosystem Role

Pollination is minimal as many adults do not feed on nectar; they may aid in nutrient recycling due to their feeding on decaying organic matter.

Economic Impact

Some genera within Charaxinae are popular among butterfly collectors, affecting the collecting and conservation industries.

Collecting Methods

Netting during flight
Baiting with rotting fruit

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Encapsulation in display boxes

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other butterflies due to their leaf-mimicking appearance when at rest.