The Nymphalid Groundplan

The Nymphalid groundplan is a representation of the relationships among the elements of the color patterns of butterflies. As its name implies, it applies strictly only to the family Nymphalidae (s.l.), but it turns out to be useful also for understanding the structure of the color patterns of other butterflies and many moths.

The color patterns of butterflies are based on three systems of bands, called symmetry systems (the basal, central, and border symmetry systems).

In its primitive form, the bands of the symmetry system runs smoothly and uninterrupted from the anterior to the posterior margins of the wing. This is the patterning system the butterflies inherited from their moth ancestors.

In butterflies, the border symmetry system often bears small eyespots, the border ocelli (bo). In some species these are modified into large eyespots that are believed to startle or confuse potential predators. The large eyespots in moths are usually modifications of the discal spot (d).

Each compartment is developmentally isolated form its neighbors during pattern determination.

The consequence of this is that pattern development in each compartment becomes semi-independent from that of its neighbors.

This results in a dislocation of the symmetry system bands where they cross wing veins.

The patterns of the thousands of species of butterflies are derived from this groundplan by selectively suppressing the development of individual pattern elements, by distorting their shape, by enlarging them, by moving them about on the wing, and by changing their color.

Home!