| Charaxinae | |
|---|---|
| Charaxes brutus natalensis | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| (unranked): | Rhopalocera |
| Superfamily: | Papilionoidea |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Subfamily: | Charaxinae Doherty, 1886 |
| Tribes | |
Charaxinae, the leafwings, is a nymphalid subfamily of butterflies that includes about 400 species, inhabiting mainly the tropics, although some species extend into temperate regions in North America, Europe, China and southern Australia. There are significant variations between the species. For example, some are medium-sized and bright orange above, but mottled gray or brown below.[1] This underwing coloration helps them resemble a dead leaf when they are at rest as they keep their wings closed.[1] With relatively few exceptions, the hindwings of the members of this subfamily have jagged edges.
Adults are very robust and fast flyers, and many are strongly attracted to drink liquids off carrion, dung, and rotten fruits, rather than nectar from flowers.[1]
Males establish territories and perch on tree trunks, branches, and even the ground.[1] The eggs are smooth and round and generally with a somewhat concave apex.
Some genera in this subfamily (notably Charaxes, Agrias and Prepona) are very popular among butterfly collectors.
Tribe Charaxini Guenée, 1865
Tribe Euxanthini Rydon, 1971
Tribe Pallini Rydon, 1971
Tribe Preponini Rydon, 1971
Tribe Anaeini (also see tribe article)