Brush-Footed Butterflies

Family Nymphalidae

Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The larvae feed on foliage of many trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Most of the brush-footed butterflies are strong fliers and migrants. Others are weak fliers and live in small localized colonies. The brush-footed butterflies are medium to large sized, and variable in colour. The front legs are greatly reduced and lack claws. The front legs are covered with long hairs which resemble a brush. They use only the middle and hind legs for walking. The larvae are variable, but most are generally dark coloured and spiny.

Distribution of Mourning cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) in Canada