Mass-migration
Guides
Colias eurytheme
Orange Sulphur, Alfalfa Butterfly, Alfalfa Caterpillar
Colias eurytheme, the orange sulphur or alfalfa butterfly, is a widespread North American pierid butterfly found from southern Canada to Mexico. The species is highly variable in coloration, with both orange and white morphs present, and exhibits complex thermal biology and sexual selection dynamics. Larvae are significant agricultural pests of alfalfa and other legumes, while adults are known for mass emigration events when host crops are harvested. The species has been extensively studied for its metabolic responses to temperature, costs of mating in females, and disruptive sexual selection patterns.
Libytheinae
snout butterflies, beak butterflies
Libytheinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) commonly known as snout butterflies. The group contains two extant genera: Libythea (six species, Old World) and Libytheana (four species, New World). A third genus, †Libytheides, is known from fossils. The subfamily is distinguished by elongated, thick labial palps that project forward like a snout. Historically treated as the separate family Libytheidae, molecular studies have confirmed its placement within Nymphalidae.
Nymphalis
tortoiseshells, anglewing butterflies
Nymphalis is a genus of brush-footed butterflies commonly known as tortoiseshells or anglewing butterflies. The genus name, established by Jan Krzysztof Kluk in 1780, has priority in zoological nomenclature for this group. Members are characterized by cryptic ventral wing patterns that provide camouflage during hibernation. All species in this group overwinter as adults and are restricted to the northern hemisphere. The sister group is Vanessa.
Uraniinae
uraniine moths
Uraniinae is a subfamily of moths in the family Uraniidae, containing seven genera distributed in tropical regions worldwide. The group exhibits striking ecological and morphological dichotomy: three genera (Alcides, Chrysiridia, Urania) are diurnal, brightly colored with iridescent markings, and chemically defended, while the remaining four genera (Cyphura, Lyssa, Urapteritra, Urapteroides) are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular with subdued coloration. Lyssa species are notable for their large size, with wingspans reaching 10–16 cm. The subfamily includes approximately 80 described species, with the Madagascan sunset moth (Chrysiridia rhipheus) being among the most celebrated lepidopterans for its coloration.
Vanessa
Ladies and Related Admirals, Painted Ladies, Red Admirals
Vanessa is a genus of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) with near-global distribution. The genus includes conspicuous species such as the painted ladies (subgenus Cynthia) and red admirals. Members are known for mass migratory behavior, particularly in North American populations of Vanessa cardui. The genus has been extensively studied for wing pattern development and seasonal polyphenism.