Nymphalidae
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Nymphalidae
larger image Red Admiral
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Insecta Order: Lepidoptera Superfamily: Papilionoidea Family: Nymphalidae

The Nymphalidae are an order of about 5,000 species of butterflies.

These are typically fairly large butterfies, such as the admirals, tortoiseshells and fritillaries, which have very colourful upperparts. However, the underwings are dull and often look like dead leaves, which helps to conceal stationary or hibernating insects.

The front two legs are small, so these butterflies are effectively four-legged. The caterpillars are hairy or spiky, and the crysalids have shiny spots.

Several species are attracted to Buddleia, the butterfly plant.

Species include

• Painted Lady
• Red Admiral
• Camberwell Beauty
• Small Tortoiseshell
• Peacock
• Silver-washed Fritillary

larger image
Small Tortoiseshell

The original article can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphalidae.
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