Nymphalidae
Guides
Euptoieta hegesia
Mexican Fritillary
Euptoieta hegesia, commonly known as the Mexican Fritillary, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae found throughout North and South America. It is characterized by bright orange upper wings with black spotting and yellow-orange undersides lacking submarginal spots. The species has a wingspan of 2.5 to 3 inches and is active year-round in Mexico, with seasonal flight periods in the southern United States. Larvae feed on passionflowers and other host plants, displaying distinctive red coloration with silver spots and black spines.
Fountainea
Fountainea is a genus of Neotropical leaf butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, established by Rydon in 1971. The genus contains eight species known for their remarkable camouflage: when at rest with wings closed, their undersides closely resemble dead leaves. The genus was named in honor of Margaret Fountaine, a renowned entomologist. These butterflies are part of the Charaxinae subfamily, a group known for their robust bodies and often cryptic wing patterns.
Greta
Glasswing Butterflies
Greta is a genus of clearwing butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, established by Arthur Francis Hemming in 1934. These butterflies are characterized by their transparent or partially transparent wings, a trait shared with other members of the ithomiine group. The genus occurs in the Neotropical region, with species distributed across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Notable species include Greta oto, commonly known as the glasswing butterfly, and Greta morgane, the thick-tipped greta.
Hamadryas
Cracker Butterflies
Hamadryas is a genus of medium-sized brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) native to the Neotropics. Males produce distinctive 'cracking' sounds during territorial displays, giving the group its common name. The genus includes approximately 20 species, with Hamadryas amphinome (Red Cracker) among the most well-known. These butterflies are characterized by their cryptic underwing patterns and rapid, erratic flight behavior.
Hermeuptychia sosybius
Carolina Satyr
Hermeuptychia sosybius, the Carolina Satyr, is a small brown butterfly in the family Nymphalidae described by Fabricius in 1793. It is one of the most common butterflies in the eastern United States and is frequently found in shaded, wooded habitats. The species has a wingspan of 32–38 mm and is characterized by eyespots along the wing edges. It was historically considered conspecific with H. hermes but is now recognized as a distinct species based on morphological and genetic evidence.
Historis acheronta
Tailed Cecropian
Historis acheronta, commonly known as the tailed cecropian, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in North America, with distribution extending into Central and South America. The species has been recorded in at least 962 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-documented.
Hypanartia lethe
Orange Mapwing, Orange Admiral
Hypanartia lethe is a medium-sized nymphalid butterfly commonly known as the orange mapwing or orange admiral. It is recognized by its distinctive wing pattern featuring orange-brown and black markings, with the underside resembling topographic contour lines. The species is widespread across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central and South America.
Hypna clytemnestra
Silver-studded Leafwing, Jazzy Leafwing, Marbled Leafwing
Hypna clytemnestra is the sole species in the monotypic genus Hypna, a leafwing butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The species is known by multiple common names reflecting its distinctive wing patterning. It is classified within the subfamily Charaxinae, tribe Anaeini, a group characterized by robust bodies and often cryptic, leaf-mimicking wing shapes.
Junonia neildi
West Indian Mangrove Buckeye
Junonia neildi, the West Indian Mangrove Buckeye, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It was elevated from subspecies status under Junonia genoveva to full species rank in 2004. The species occurs in coastal regions of the southeastern United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It is one of three Junonia species currently documented in Florida, alongside J. coenia and J. zonalis.
Junonia zonalis
Northern Tropical Buckeye
Junonia zonalis, the northern tropical buckeye, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of Junonia evarete but was elevated to full species status based on phylogenetic and DNA research. The species occurs in Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America.
Lethe
Pearly-eyes and Allies
Lethe is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus includes treebrowns, woodbrowns, foresters, and related species commonly known as the Pearly-eyes and Allies. Species occur across temperate-tropical southern and eastern Asia, extending to Indonesia, with some representatives in North America. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, referencing the river of forgetfulness in the underworld of Hades.
Libytheana
New World Snouts
Libytheana is a genus of nymphalid butterflies in the snout butterfly subfamily Libytheinae, established by Michener in 1943. The genus comprises four species, with Libytheana carinenta (American snout) being the most widespread and migratory, occurring across North and South America. The remaining three species—L. terena, L. motya, and L. fulvescens—are restricted to the Caribbean. These butterflies are characterized by their distinctive elongated labial palps that form a prominent "snout," a defining feature of the subfamily.
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.
Limenitidinae
Admirals and Allies, Admirals and relatives
Limenitidinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae) containing approximately 1,000 species across four tribes: Parthenini, Adoliadini, Limenitidini, and Neptini. The group includes well-known butterflies such as admirals (Limenitis), sisters (Adelpha), sailers (Neptis), and clippers (Parthenos). Many species exhibit bold wing patterns with light longitudinal stripes, and their common names often reference military ranks or noble titles reflecting their large size and striking appearance. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution with major centers of diversity in tropical Africa and Asia.
Limenitidini
Limenitidini is a tribe of brush-footed butterflies within the subfamily Limenitidinae. The tribe comprises approximately 20 genera distributed primarily in tropical and temperate regions of the Old World and Neotropics. Notable genera include Adelpha (sisters), Limenitis (admirals), Cymothoe (gliders), and Athyma (sergeants). The subtribal classification of Limenitidini has been subject to revision based on cladistic analyses.
Limenitis
admirals
Limenitis is a genus of brush-footed butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly called the admirals. The genus includes well-known North American species such as the viceroy (L. archippus), a Müllerian mimic of the monarch butterfly, and the red-spotted purple (L. arthemis astyanax), a forest-dwelling butterfly. Some authorities include the sister butterflies (Adelpha) and commander butterflies (Moduza) within this genus. The name derives from Neo-Latin meaning 'of harbours,' from Ancient Greek λιμήν (harbour, haven).
Limenitis archippus lahontani
Nevada Viceroy
Limenitis archippus lahontani is a subspecies of the Viceroy butterfly, commonly known as the Nevada Viceroy. It is part of a well-known mimicry complex with the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), though recent research suggests the Viceroy itself may also be chemically protected rather than a pure Batesian mimic. This subspecies is found in western North America, particularly in the Great Basin region.
Limenitis archippus watsoni
Watson's Gulf Coast Viceroy
Limenitis archippus watsoni is a subspecies of the viceroy butterfly found in central North America. It is part of the well-known mimicry complex with the monarch butterfly, though recent research suggests viceroys may also be unpalatable to predators. This subspecies is distinguished from other viceroy populations by geographic range and subtle morphological differences.
Limenitis arthemis arizonensis
Arizona Red-spotted Purple
Limenitis arthemis arizonensis is a subspecies of the red-spotted purple butterfly complex found in western North America. It represents one of several stable hybrid wing patterns within the nominal species L. arthemis, which has been extensively studied for its evolution of mimicry. The subspecies occurs from Arizona to southern California and Mexico, overlapping with the range of the white admiral and red-spotted purple forms. Like other members of the complex, males are known to defend territories along riparian corridors.
Limenitis weidemeyerii
Weidemeyer's Admiral
Weidemeyer's Admiral is a medium-sized butterfly in the brush-footed family Nymphalidae, found across western North America from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada and California. Adults display distinctive black and white dorsal wing patterns with rows of white spots, while the ventral surface shows brown with gray marginal markings. The species is named after 19th-century entomologist John William Weidemeyer, whose Rocky Mountain specimen was used for the original description. Larvae develop on woody plants in the genera Populus, Salix, Holodiscus, and Amelanchier, while adults feed on tree sap, carrion, and flower nectar.
Marpesia
Daggerwings
Marpesia is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as daggerwings. These butterflies are found in the Neotropical and Nearctic realms, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central and South America. The genus is named after Marpesia, a queen of the Amazons in Greek and Roman legendary history. Marpesia butterflies are notable for their striking wing patterns and distinctive behavior called "pumping," in which they rapidly imbibe water through their proboscis and expel it from their abdomen, possibly for thermoregulation.
Megisto cymela cymela
Little Wood Satyr
Megisto cymela cymela is a subspecies of satyrine butterfly commonly known as the Little Wood Satyr. It belongs to the family Nymphalidae and is currently treated as a synonym of Euptychia cymela in some taxonomic databases. The subspecies has been documented in the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Megisto cymela viola
Viola's Wood-Satyr
Megisto cymela viola, known as Viola's Wood-Satyr, is a subspecies of wood-satyr butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Euptychia cymela. The subspecies was described by Maynard in 1891. Based on records from GBIF and iNaturalist, it has been documented in Vermont and other parts of the United States. As a member of the Satyrinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of butterflies commonly associated with woodland habitats and shaded environments.
Melinaea lilis
Mimic Tigerwing
Melinaea lilis is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the Mimic Tigerwing. It belongs to the tribe Ithomiini, a group of neotropical butterflies known for their unpalatability to predators and participation in Müllerian mimicry rings. The species was originally described as Mechanitis lilis by Doubleday in 1847. It is one of approximately 12 species in the genus Melinaea, which are distributed across Central and South America.
Melitaeini
checkerspots, crescents, crescentspots, fritillaries
Melitaeini is a tribe of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae), commonly known as checkerspots, crescents, or crescentspots. The tribe comprises 20–25 genera divided among five subtribes. Members are distributed across diverse habitats including steppe and taiga forest regions. Larvae exhibit gregarious behavior and feed on specific host plants, with documented associations including Veronica incana, Scabiosa comosa, and Stemmacantha uniflora. The tribe serves as host for specialized parasitoid wasps, particularly in the genus Cotesia.
Memphis
Memphis is a Neotropical genus of brush-footed butterflies in the subfamily Charaxinae, described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. The genus belongs to the family Nymphalidae and is part of the tribe Anaeini. These butterflies are found exclusively in the Neotropical region.
Mestra
Arizona Sister, Curve-winged Metalmark
Mestra is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Biblidinae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1825. The genus contains several species distributed primarily in the Americas, with the most well-known being Mestra amymone, commonly called the Arizona Sister or Curve-winged Metalmark. These butterflies are medium-sized with distinctive wing patterns and are associated with specific host plants in their larval stages. The genus name derives from Greek mythology, referencing Mestra, daughter of Erysichthon, who possessed the ability to change her shape at will.
Microtia
elf
Microtia is a monophyletic genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, containing the single species Microtia elva, commonly known as the elf. The genus is distributed across the southern United States and Central America. Larvae feed on plants in the family Acanthaceae, particularly Tetramerium.
Microtia elada
Elada Checkerspot
Microtia elada, commonly known as the Elada Checkerspot, is a butterfly species in the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. The species was formerly placed in the genus Texola, and some sources still use this synonym. It is a North American species with a distribution spanning from the southwestern United States into Mexico.
Microtia elva
Elf, Elf Butterfly
Microtia elva, commonly known as the elf or elf butterfly, is a small butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is the sole member of its genus, which is monophyletic and restricted to the southern United States and Central America. The species has been observed over 3,000 times on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-documented within its range. Larvae feed on plants in the family Acanthaceae, particularly Tetramerium species.
Morphini
Morphos and Allies
Morphini is a tribe of nymphalid butterflies within the subfamily Satyrinae, comprising two subtribes: Antirrheina and Morphina. The tribe includes the iconic genus Morpho, known for large butterflies with brilliant metallic blue dorsal wing surfaces, as well as the genera Antirrhea and Caerois. Members are primarily Neotropical in distribution. The group is characterized by substantial body size, with some Morpho species reaching wingspans of four to six inches.
Myscelia
Bluewing Butterflies
Myscelia is a genus of nymphalid butterflies commonly known as bluewing butterflies. The genus includes approximately nine recognized species distributed across southern North America, Central America, and northern South America. Several species are notable for their striking blue coloration on the upper wing surfaces, including the well-known Mexican bluewing (Myscelia ethusa) and blue wave (Myscelia cyaniris).
Neominois
satyr
Neominois is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. The genus contains three described species, including the well-studied Neominois ridingsii. These butterflies are commonly known as satyrs. Taxonomic placement has been debated, with some sources treating Neominois as a subgenus of Oeneis.
Neominois ridingsii
Ridings' satyr
Neominois ridingsii is a North American butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as Ridings' satyr. The species occupies short-grass prairie and intermountain grassland habitats across a broad range from southern Canada to the southwestern United States. Larvae feed exclusively on Bouteloua gracilis, and third- and fourth-instar larvae overwinter. Multiple subspecies have been described based on geographic variation across its range.
Neonympha areolatus
Georgia Satyr
Neonympha areolatus, commonly known as the Georgia satyr, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is native to North America, with populations concentrated in the southeastern United States. The species inhabits wetland and grassland habitats, particularly areas with sedges. Like other satyrs, it exhibits a low, bouncing flight pattern and often rests with wings closed.
Nymphalinae
Checkerspots, Anglewings, Peacocks, and Allies
Nymphalinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies within the family Nymphalidae. The group includes well-known butterflies such as anglewings, tortoiseshells, fritillaries, and admirals. Phylogenetic studies indicate the subfamily diversified following the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction, with subsequent dispersals into the Old World and New World beginning in the Eocene.
Nymphalis l-album
Compton Tortoiseshell, False Comma
The Compton Tortoiseshell is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, closely related to other tortoiseshell butterflies. It shares the characteristic reduced front legs of brushfoot butterflies, with only four functional walking legs. The species exhibits territorial behavior typical of the genus, with males defending perches against rivals.
Oeneis alberta
Alberta Arctic
Oeneis alberta is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the Alberta Arctic. It inhabits prairie and montane grassland habitats across the Canadian prairie provinces and isolated Rocky Mountain populations in the southwestern United States. The species exhibits a single annual generation with adults active in late spring. Larvae feed on bunch grasses and overwinter in the larval stage.
Oeneis jutta ascerta
Oeneis jutta ascerta is a subspecies of Arctic butterfly in the genus Oeneis, described by Masters and Sorensen in 1968. Like other members of the genus Oeneis, it is associated with high mountain and alpine habitats. The subspecies is part of a group of butterflies commonly known as "Arctics" that occur across western North America, Canada, and Alaska. Oeneis jutta ascerta has been documented in both North America and parts of Europe, including Belarus.
Oeneis melissa lucilla
Oeneis melissa lucilla is a subspecies of the Melissa Arctic butterfly, a member of the Satyrinae subfamily within Nymphalidae. This subspecies occurs in North America and has been documented in Russia and parts of Europe. Like other Oeneis species, it inhabits cool, often high-elevation environments. The genus Oeneis comprises Arctic and alpine butterflies adapted to cold climates, with many species showing limited dispersal capabilities.
Oeneis philipi
Philip's Arctic
Oeneis philipi, known as Philip's Arctic, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae described by Troubridge in 1988. It belongs to the genus Oeneis, commonly referred to as the Arctics, which are associated with high mountain habitats across western North America. The species is part of a group that has been noted for its ecological sensitivity to habitat disturbance, including wildfire. Like other Oeneis species, it likely exhibits the reduced wing patterns and cryptic coloration characteristic of alpine butterflies.
Oeneis uhleri uhleri
Uhler's Arctic
Oeneis uhleri uhleri is a subspecies of Arctic butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It occurs in the western United States and Canada, inhabiting high-elevation mountain environments. Like other members of the genus Oeneis, it is associated with alpine and subalpine habitats. The species has been documented from the Rocky Mountain region northward into the Canadian prairie provinces.
Paramacera xicaque
Pine Satyr
Paramacera xicaque, commonly known as the Pine Satyr, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. The species was originally described as Neonympha xicaque by Reakirt in 1867 and later transferred to the genus Paramacera. It is a member of the satyr group of butterflies, characterized by their association with forested habitats and generally subdued coloration.
Phyciodes
crescents, crescent spots
Phyciodes is a genus of butterflies in the brush-footed family Nymphalidae, commonly known as crescents or crescent spots. These small to medium-sized butterflies are characterized by orange and black wing patterns with distinctive crescent-shaped markings on the hindwings. The genus includes approximately 20 species distributed across North America, with larvae that typically feed on plants in the Asteraceae family, particularly asters and thistles. Several species have experienced regional population declines attributed to climate change and pesticide use.
Phyciodes cocyta
northern crescent
Phyciodes cocyta, the northern crescent, is a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is distributed across the Nearctic realm, particularly in northern North America. The species has a wingspan of 32–38 mm and is active during summer months. Adults feed on nectar from specific flowering plants, while larvae specialize on Asteraceae species.
Phyciodes graphica
Vesta Crescent
Phyciodes graphica, commonly known as the vesta crescent, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. It is currently recognized as a subspecies of Phyciodes vesta (P. vesta graphica) in some taxonomic treatments, though it has historically been treated as a distinct species. The vesta crescent belongs to a group of small to medium-sized butterflies known as crescents and checkerspots, characterized by their orange and black patterned wings.
Phyciodes incognitus
Phyciodes incognitus is a species of brush-footed butterfly in the genus Phyciodes, which includes the crescent butterflies. The genus Phyciodes comprises small to medium-sized butterflies characterized by orange and black wing patterns with distinctive crescent-shaped markings on the hindwings. Species within this genus are primarily North American and are associated with asteraceous host plants.
Phyciodes orseis
California Crescent, Orseis crescentspot
Phyciodes orseis is a small nymphalid butterfly endemic to western North America, with its core range in northern California and Oregon. It inhabits mountain valleys, meadows, and stream canyons, where it has been documented as part of ecosystem monitoring efforts on the Fremont-Winema National Forests. The species has experienced range contraction, with historical records from the San Francisco Bay Area now considered mislabeled or representing extirpated populations.
Phyciodes pallida
Pale Crescent, Pallid Crescentspot
Phyciodes pallida is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as the pale crescent or pallid crescentspot. It occurs in western North America. Adults have a wingspan of 33–44 mm. The species has at least two recognized subspecies: P. p. pallida and P. p. barnesi.
Phyciodes phaon
Phaon crescent, mat plant crescent, crescent spot
Phyciodes phaon is a small brush-footed butterfly of the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and extending west to New Mexico. Adults are active from early spring through late fall in northern portions of the range, with nearly year-round activity in peninsular Florida. The species is closely associated with fogfruit host plants (Phyla nodiflora), on which females lay eggs in clusters on leaf undersides. Males patrol open areas near host plants to locate females, with mating concentrated at mid-day.