What are Milkweed Butterflies?

About Milkweed Butterflies:

• They are any of a group of butterflies in the brush-footed butterfly family ( Nymphalidae).
• There are some 300 species in the group, including the iconic Monarch butterfly.
• Distribution:
  • The majority of species are found in both Old and New World tropics (Old World refers to Europe, Africa, and Asia, while New World refers to North America, South America, and the Caribbean).
  • However, some well-known members of the group, such as the monarch butterfly and the queen butterfly, live in temperate regions.
• Features: 
  • The large, colourful adults have long, usually brownish or orange wings marked by black-and-white patterns.
  • They fly slowly, and some, such as the monarch butterfly, migrate great distances.
  • They feed chiefly on milkweed and sometimes on nightshade.
  • These plants contain acrid, milky juices that probably make the larva and its subsequent stages distasteful to predators. This, combined with a conspicuous colouration, protects them.

What is a brush-footed butterfly?

• Brush-footed butterfly (family Nymphalidae), also called the four-footed butterfly, is any of a group of butterflies (order Lepidoptera) that are named for their characteristically reduced forelegs, which are frequently hairy and resemble brushes.
• The insect’s alternative name derives from the fact that there are only four functional, or walking, legs.

Q1) What is a brush-footed butterfly?

Brush-footed butterfly are named for their characteristically reduced forelegs, which are frequently hairy and resemble brushes.

Source: Studies on migration patterns of milkweed butterflies and their feeding habits can help protect them, say researchers