Family Nymphalidae [Brush Footed Butterflies]

The largest family of butterflies in India.  Adult butterflies of both sexes have their forelegs [first pair of legs] reduced to brush like appendages [except for the females of beak] hence they are called brush-footed butterflies. These forelegs are not useful for walking. Hence these butterflies appear to have only four legs. Females of some species use these reduced forelegs as sensors to detect the food plant. Butterfly antenna has 3 longitudinal ridges on the ventromesial surface. The pupa is usually without a silk girdle and is suspended free from the anal hook or cremaster. Most nymphalids are powerful fliers and feed on animal droppings, urine, animal carcasses like rotten crab or fish, nectar and overripe fruits.