Butterfly families

Butterfly families

Family	Common name	Characteristics	Image
Hedylidae	American moth-butterflies	Small, brown, like geometrid moths; antennae not clubbed; long slim abdomen
Hesperiidae	Skippers	Small, darting flight; clubs on antennae hooked backwards
Lycaenidae	Blues, coppers, hairstreaks	Small, brightly coloured; often have false heads with eyespots and small tails resembling antennae
Nymphalidae	Brush-footed or four-footed butterflies	Usually have reduced forelegs, so appear four-legged; often brightly coloured
Papilionidae	Swallowtails	Often have 'tails' on wings; caterpillar generates foul taste with osmeterium organ; pupa supported by silk girdle
Pieridae	Whites and allies	Mostly white, yellow or orange; some serious pests of Brassica; pupa supported by silk girdle
Riodinidae	Metalmarks	Often have metallic spots on wings; often conspicuously coloured with black, orange and blue