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February 9, 2024

Large tree nymph (Idea leuconoe)

A large tree nymph (Idea leuconoe), a species of butterfly found in Southeast Asia with typical wingspans of 12 to 14 centimeters. Researchers assembled DNA from this and other butterfly species representing all butterfly families and 92% of genera to create the largest butterfly tree of life ever made.

[Research supported by U.S. National Science Foundation grants DBI 1601369 and IOS 1920895.]

Learn more in the NSF Research News story Butterfly tree of life reveals an origin in North America. (Date of image: 2023; date originally posted to NSF Multimedia Gallery: Feb. 9, 2024)

Credit: Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace


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