__NOTOC__

The Charaxinae, the leafwings, are a nymphalid

subfamily In biological classification, a subfamily (Latin: ', plural ') is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end botanical subfamily names with "-oideae", and zo ...

butterflies Butterflies are winged insects from the lepidopteran superfamily Papilionoidea, characterized by large, often brightly coloured wings that often fold together when at rest, and a conspicuous, fluttering flight. The oldest butterfly fossi ...

that includes about 400

species A species () is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by sexual reproduction. It is the basic unit of Taxonomy (biology), ...

, inhabiting mainly the tropics, although some species extend into temperate regions in North America, Europe,

China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...

, and southern

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...

. Significant variations exist between the species. For example, some are medium sized and bright orange above, but mottled gray or brown below. This underwing coloration helps them resemble a dead leaf when they are at rest, as they keep their wings closed. 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 from

carrion Carrion (), also known as a carcass, is the decaying flesh of dead animals. Overview Carrion is an important food source for large carnivores and omnivores in most ecosystems. Examples of carrion-eaters (or scavengers) include crows, vultures ...

, dung, and rotten fruits, rather than

nectar Nectar is a viscous, sugar-rich liquid produced by Plant, plants in glands called nectaries, either within the flowers with which it attracts pollination, pollinating animals, or by extrafloral nectaries, which provide a nutrient source to an ...

from flowers. Males establish territories and perch on tree trunks, branches, and even the ground. 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.

Genera

Tribe Charaxini Guenée, 1865 * ''

Polyura :''for the monotypic genus of plants, see Polyura geminata'' ''Polyura'' is a subgenus of butterflies also referred to as Nawab butterflies and belonging to the Nymphalidae, brush-footed butterfly subfamily Charaxinae, or leafwing butterflies. Li ...

'' – nawabs * ''

Charaxes The rajah and pasha butterflies, also known as emperors in Africa and Australia, (genus ''Charaxes'') make up the huge type genus of the Nymphalidae, brush-footed butterfly subfamily Charaxinae, or leafwing butterflies. They belong to the tribe ...

'' – rajahs and pashas, emperors Tribe Euxanthini Rydon, 1971 Rydon, A.H.B. 1971. The systematics of the Charaxidae (Lepidoptera: Nymphaloidea). ''Entomologists Record'' 83: 219-233, 283-287, 310-316, 336-341, 384-388, 6 figs., 4 plates. * '' Euxanthe'' Tribe Pallini Rydon, 1971 * '' Palla'' Tribe Prothoini Roepke, 1938 * '' Prothoe'' * '' Agatasa'' – glorious begum Tribe Preponini Rydon, 1971 * '' Agrias'' * '' Prepona'' * ''

Archaeoprepona ''Archaeoprepona'' is a genus of Neotropical Charaxinae, charaxine butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. The underside of their wings is pale brownish, while the upper ...

'' * ''

Anaeomorpha ''Anaeomorpha'' is a monotypic taxon, monotypic genus of butterflies in the subfamily Charaxinae. Species There is one species, ''Anaeomorpha splendida'', and two subspecies: *''Anaeomorpha splendida splendida'' (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia) *''Ana ...

'' (sometimes in Anaeini) Tribe Anaeini (also see tribe article) * '' Anaea'' * '' Coenophlebia'' * ''

Consul Consul (abbrev. ''cos.''; Latin plural ''consules'') was the title of one of the two chief magistrates of the Roman Republic, and subsequently also an important title under the Roman Empire. The title was used in other European city-states thro ...

'' * '' Fountainea'' * '' Hypna'' * '' Memphis'' (formerly included in ''Anaea'') * '' Polygrapha'' * '' Siderone'' * '' Zaretis'' Fountainea ryphea1

References

External links

Checklist of North American Nymphalidae
{{Taxonbar, from=Q860124 - Taxa named by William Doherty Butterfly subfamilies