Characteristics
- Diurnal flight, active in sunny weather
- Wings often bright or contrasting, with well-developed scales
- Clubbed antennae, never pectinate
- Long, functional proboscis in most species
- Resting posture: wings held upright above the body (with some exceptions)
Habitat
Papilionoidea are found in:
- Meadows, dry grasslands, clearings, hedgerows
- Mountainous areas, peat bogs, dunes, gardens, fallow lands
- Distribution often linked to the availability of larval host plants and nectar flowers
Biology
- Eggs laid on specific host plants
- Phytophagous caterpillars, sometimes mimetic, hairy or smooth
- Pupation in naked chrysalis, sometimes suspended or hidden
- Adults are floricolous, active in sunlight
- One or several generations per year depending on species and climate
Included Families
- Papilionidae – Large spectacular butterflies (Papilio machaon…)
- Pieridae – Whites and yellows (Pieris, Gonepteryx…)
- Lycaenidae – Small blue, copper, and hairstreak butterflies (Polyommatus, Lycaena…)
- Nymphalidae – Most diverse family (Vanessa, Aglais, Melitaea, Satyrus…)
- Riodinidae – Tropical family, very limited in Europe
Iconic Species
- Papilio machaon – Old World Swallowtail: large yellow butterfly with tails, found in both plains and mountains
- Vanessa atalanta – Red Admiral: common migrant
- Gonepteryx rhamni – Brimstone: among the first butterflies seen in spring
- Polyommatus icarus – Common Blue: widespread in flower-rich meadows
- Melanargia galathea – Marbled White: marbled wings, rests with wings open
Notable Features
- Excellent indicators of floral diversity and ecological continuity
- Sensitive to agricultural practices and urbanization
- Many species are monitored in citizen science programs
- Some exhibit spectacular migrations (e.g. Vanessa cardui)
A realistic illustration of a Papilio machaon in flight or perched on a flower, or a Common Blue on a knapweed, will be added shortly.