Introduction
The most recent revision by Walberg includes the 6 Aglais species ( Small Tortoiseshells ), plus the Peacock Inachis io, the Blue Admiral Kaniska canace, the Camberwell Beauty N. antiopa and the 5 Polygonia species within the genus Nymphalis which consequently now comprises of 29 species. The genus is very widespread with representatives across the entire Holarctic region. Only one species canace reaches into the Oriental region.
The genus can be recognised by their angular wing-shape and dark undersides which are marked with numerous fine blackish striations. Several of the species carry a white or silvery mark on the underside hindwing, which often appears in the shape of a symbol or letter, hence the Latin species names interrogationalis ( question mark ), comma, g-argenteum, c-album, c-aureum and l-album. The uppersides of the true Nymphalis species ( sensu stricta ) are a rich orange-brown colour, marked with a distinctive pattern of black spots and blotches.
Nymphalis l-album is distributed from eastern Europe to northern China and Japan.
Habitats
This is a lowland and mid-elevation species found in deciduous forests and woodlands.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include the trees Hippophae, Populus, Salix and Ulmus.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.