Nymphalidae

Satyrs, Browns, Danaids, Swordtails, Nymphs and Brushfoots

The family Nymphalidae is represented by five subfamilies, of which four of which may be found in the Adelaide region. These contain some of the largest, brightest butterflies to be found in South Australia. Nymphalids are also some of the easiest butterflies to attract to an urban garden setting. Many are highly adaptable in the plants their caterpillars will feed on and can use common garden ornamentals for this purpose. The four families that are likely to occur in Adelaide gardens are:

SATYRINAE, also known as Satyrs or Browns;
DANAIDAE or Danaids;
CHARAXINAE or Swordtails;
NYMPHALINAE, Nymphs or Brushfoots:

The Satyrs are butterflies that generally prefer cooler, moister areas that support their grass or sedge caterpillar foodplants, such as woodlands and swamps. They are coloured in browns, oranges, blacks and yellows. Most species have a slow, erratic flight, though most species can fly more rapidly when disturbed. While several species are found in areas east and south of Adelaide, at the present only one species occurs on the plains.

Danaids are large, robust butterflies that contain some of the longest-lived butterflies in the world. The Australian species fall into two groups, one of which are deep blacks or black-browns, often with a purplish sheen and white markings. Only one species of this group has been found in South Australia, where it is extremely rare. The second group has two local representatives. These species are orange or tan with a black border and white markings. One of them is the Wanderer or Monarch, possibly the best-recognised butterfly in the world. Danaids are notable for their highly visible caterpillars, which tend to be ornamented with bright colour schemes and pronounced tendrils. The plants they feed on often contain poisonous substances that render the caterpillars and adult butterflies distasteful to predatory birds and reptiles.

Mostly tropical butterflies, the Swordtails are represented in the Adelaide by one species. This is a relatively late arrival, having first being noted in 1973-`74. The Adult butterflies are large and high-flying. They are called “Swordtails” because of the four sharp tails at the base of the hindwings. The caterpillars are notable for being almost as spectacular as the adult butterfly. Not only are the caterpillars brightly coloured, they have a spectacular head featuring horned projections.

The Nymphs are brightly coloured, fast flying insects. They are also called Brushfoots, as the male butterflies have reduced, brush-like front legs. They include several species that not only look attractive but also are keen feeders from nectar flowers. This, combined with there ability to fly long distances, makes them an ideal group for the butterfly gardener to focus on.