Nymphalids (Nymphalidae) are the largest and also the most diverse family of diurnal butterflies, which includes many well-known and widely distributed species. They are characterized by a reduced front pair of legs, adapted for cleaning the proboscis. In Slovenia, together with the skippers, which some classify as a separate family, there live 91 species of nymphalids. Nymphalids are good fliers. Among them we find some seasonal migrants that can in the summer reach places where their caterpillars do not survive.
Small tortoiseshell, Painted Lady, Admiral and Osatnik are noticeable butterflies with vivid colors and colorful patterns that we often see in gardens and even in larger cities. The caterpillars of some species initially stay in large groups inside silken tents. In the shelter of the silken net they feed or overwinter. Others have a different strategy for avoiding predators; many are brightly colored or have numerous spiny projections on their bodies, which indicate their inedibility.
