NYMPHALIDAE. By H. Frtthstorfer. 
453 
6. Family: Nymphalidae. 
The Nymphalidae form the largest family among the diurnal Lepidoptera, since according to Dr. Schatz 
more than one fourth of the hitherto known genera belong to it. The chief character which differentiates them 
from all other families is found in the imperfectly developed fore-legs in both sexes; the remaining characters 
utilized for distinction are not universal, and there are, in fact, connecting links between the Nymphalidae 
and the families hitherto dealt with, so that, strictly speaking, Dr. E. Haase’s principle, mentioned in Vol. I, 
p. 159, must still be considered fundamental. Those genera with cystose main nervures (Ergolis , Labranga) 
show relationship with the Satyridae, and some genera (Amnosia) have a mode of life analogous to the Ama- 
thusiidae. The open cell in the hindwing is an essential character of the family, only found elsewhere in the 
neotropical Morphidae. Yet the conception of an open cell is altogether relative, since an absolutely open 
cell with entirely obsolete lower discocellulars exists only in a minority of the Nymphalidae; elsewhere these 
discocellular nervures are more or less atrophied, or even fully developed ( Penthema , Isoclema). In the latter 
genus the distinctly closed cell is accompanied by a further analogy with the Satyridae, namely an entirely 
satyroid clasping organ. 
The clasping organs exhibit a most heterogeneous formation, corresponding to the polymorphous character 
of the Nymphalidae. They appear to be most primitive in the Acraeidae, uncus and valve extremely simple, 
without any appendage or scaphium formation. The scaphium may be wanting, or accompanied by progres¬ 
sive valvular formation ( Pseudergolis ). The valve is often strongly chitonized and furnished with sharp den¬ 
tation ( Parthenos ), sometimes with an antler-like excrescence ( Argynnis). The formation of the uncus is 
still more variable; it may be atrophied ( Parthenos ), very feeble ( Cupha , Cirrochroa) strongly curved ( Dichor- 
ragia), may bear helmet-like appendages ( Euthalia) may be furnished with fleshy formations (Yoma), be short 
and strongly chitonized ( Cethosia ), bifid ( Kallima) or even furnished with an uncus anticus ( Mynes ). In two 
genera ( Penthema and Isodema) they have in addition lateral appendages identical with those of the Satyridae. 
Thus an entirely new grouping of the genera might be carried out on the ground of the formation of the 
secondary sexual organs, yet it is already acknowledged, that these do not go hand in hand with the struc¬ 
tural organizations hitherto exclusively valued for classification. 
The egg is, as a rule, broad, short, soft, not as high as broad, with a distinct network of raised, semi¬ 
transparent chitonous lines, which cover the surface unsymetrically, enclose pentagonal and hexagonal spaces, 
and sometimes have long, bifid points (Doherty). The larva is extremely variable in shape and protection, 
but usually cylindrical and spinose. For purposes of grouping one may especially note the nearly naked cater¬ 
pillars, having spines on the head only ( Apatura , Charaxes) but with anal processes recalling the Satyridae 
and Amathusiidae. The exact opposite of these is seen in larvae with well developed, branched spines ( Va¬ 
nessa, Ergolis) and between these extremes the almost grotesque forms of the Euthadiidae with their elongate 
lateral growths, half as long as the entire body, with fine hairs or points on the sides. The pupa corresponds 
with the size of the imago, but is relatively short and broad, dorsally more or less arched, head and thorax 
with angular processes; hanging by the tail, not girdled. Imago of medium or large size, head pubescent, 
antennae close together, either entirely or partly covered with scales, never naked as in the Danaidae; chito¬ 
nous, very varied, short to very long, club varying from very slight to large spoon-shaped. Thorax robust, 
not alutaceous as in the Danaidae, sometimes very broad (Charaxes , Euthalia), wings usually broad in propor¬ 
tion to their length. Narrow wings as in Neptis or extremely delicate as in Cyrestis are rare among the indo- 
australians. Both in the form and colouring of the wings the Nymphalidae display greater variety than in any 
other families, and there is no general type of marking or colour as in the Danaidae. Also, in contrast to 
the Danaidae, the underside differs greatly from the upper surface, and is often, as in the Pierida: , more cha¬ 
racteristic and more richly coloured. The absence of ocelli on the underside is remarkable (exceptions only 
in the genera Amnosia and Rhinopalpa), but, according to Spuler, there should be specially noted the great 
conformity of the markings, in so far that the row of eye-spots in the submarginal area, always developed in 
the Satyridae, is almost always present, though frequently only in a rudimentary state, and is considered by 
Rebel to be a very ancient element of the markings. In splendour of colouring the indo-australian Nympha 
lidae fall behind the south american, but surpass them in two directions; in sexual dimorphism and in ampli¬ 
tude of variability, both of the ( Euthaliinae ) and $$ (Hypolimnas). Such heteromorphic formations as 
shown representatives of the genus Euripus will be sought in vain in the aethiopic faunal region, and the poly- 
