Question

Brush footed legs are found in:

• A. Nyphalid butterflies
• B. Lycanid butterflies
• C. Noctuid moths
• D. Sphingid moths

Hint:

Nymphalidae is the largest family of butterflies, and their defining diagnostic trait is the possession of non-functional, hairy, brush-like forelegs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The modification of insect legs, particularly the reduction of specific leg pairs in certain families of Lepidoptera, serves taxonomic and sensory purposes rather than locomotion.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In butterflies belonging to the family Nymphalidae (commonly known as brush-footed butterflies), the forelegs are greatly reduced in size and are held close to the thorax.
These tiny forelegs are covered with long, dense, hair-like scales, giving them a brush-like appearance (hence "brush-footed").
Consequently, these butterflies walk using only their middle and hind legs.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Brush footed legs are found in Nymphalid butterflies, which is option (A).