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Taxa

Nymphalidae

Insect Families

Nymphalidae is the largest family of butterflies, with more than 6,000 species distributed throughout most of the world, usually medium sized to large and known by alternative names such as brush-footed or four-footed butterflies because they rest on only four legs while keeping the front pair folded. Notable members include monarchs, emperors, admirals and fritillaries, many displaying vibrant coloration on the upper wings and duller, camouflaging undersides.

Facts
Taxonomic Rank
Family 1
Scientific Name
Nymphalidae 1
Member Species/Taxa Count
6000 1
Geographic Distribution
Throughout most of the world 1
Defining Characteristics
Most species have a reduced pair of forelegs and hold their colourful wings flat when resting 1
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
Colourful upper wings, with under wings often dull and in some species looking like dead leaves 1
Classification
Living or Extinct
Yes 2
Connections

Parent Taxon Of

Melanargia lachesis, Species
Source Melanargia lachesis (Wikidata)
Peacock Butterfly, Species
Source Wikidata: Peacock Butterfly
Red Admiral, Species
Source Wikidata: Red Admiral
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Nymphalidae
  • Lead, first sentence, main clause
    are the largest family of butterflies
  • Lead, first sentence, subject
    The Nymphalidae are the largest family
  • Lead, first sentence, species count
    The Nymphalidae are the largest family of butterflies, with more than 6,000 species distributed throughout most of the world
  • Lead, first sentence, distribution clause
    distributed throughout most of the world
  • Introduction, sentence on forelegs
    Most species have a reduced pair of forelegs and many hold their colourful wings flat when resting.
  • Introduction, sentence on under wings
    the under wings are, in contrast, often dull and in some species look remarkably like dead leaves
  • In Group: Butterfly Families, Lead
    The Nymphalidae are the largest family of butterflies, with more than 6,000 species distributed throughout most of the world.
View the Source
2. Wikidata (taxon extant/extinct status)
Wikimedia Foundation / Wikidata contributorsQ156449, descriptionView the Source
Wikidata: Nymphalidae
Wikidata Q156449, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source
Wikidata: Red Admiral
Parent Taxon Of: Red Admiral, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Wikidata: Peacock Butterfly
Parent Taxon Of: Peacock Butterfly, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
Melanargia lachesis (Wikidata)
WikidataParent Taxon Of: Melanargia lachesis, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chainView the Source
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