Satyrinae, the satyrines or satyrids, commonly known as the Browns, is a subfamily of the Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies). They were formerly considered a distinct family, Satyridae. This group contains nearly half of the known diversity of brush-footed butterflies. It is estimated that the true number of Satyrinae species may exceed 2400. They are generally weak fliers and often shun bright sunlight. The caterpillars feed chiefly on monocotyledonous plants such as palms, grasses and bamboos. The Morphinae are sometimes united with this group.

The taxonomy and systematics of the subfamily is under heavy revision. Much of the early pioneering work of L. D. Miller (e.g. Miller 1968) has helped significantly by creating some sort of order. Dyndirus Capronnier, 1874 is a satyrid incertae sedis. Other than this genus, according to the latest studies on the classification of Nymphalidae all satyrines have been assigned to one of the 6 tribes, at least preliminarily (Wahlberg fide Savela 2007). See the tribe pages for detailed lists.

Footnotes

References

• (1968): The higher classification, phylogeny and zoogeography of the Satyridae (Lepidoptera). Mem. Am. Entomol. Soc. 24: [vi] + iv + 1-174.

• (2007): Markku Savela's Lepidoptera and some other life forms: Satyrinae. Version of 2007-MAY-12. Retrieved 2007-MAY-31.

External links

• Pictorial guide on Neotropical Satyrinae