Nymphalis

Nymphalis is a genus of butterflies, family Nymphalidae, commonly called anglewings or tortoiseshells, comprising six recognized species found only in the Northern Hemisphere across North America, Europe and Asia. Members have angular wing shapes and cryptic ventral wing patterns and coloration that camouflage them during hibernation; all species in the genus overwinter as adult butterflies in snowy regions, relying on this camouflage to avoid predation while dormant. The genus name was established by Jan Krzysztof Kluk in 1780, making it the oldest valid name for this group. Well known species include the mourning cloak, also called the Camberwell beauty, Nymphalis antiopa, the large tortoiseshell, Nymphalis polychloros, the Compton tortoiseshell, Nymphalis vaualbum, and the California tortoiseshell, Nymphalis californica.