The collective name anglewing butterflies is derived from a Latinised term Papiliones angulati.

The anglewing butterflies as a group are characterized by a cryptic silhouette and by the colouration and pattern on the ventral side of both wings.

During winter months, in latitudes with snow cover, all members of this group hibernate as adult butterflies.

With their wings closed, exposing only the ventral cryptically coloured underside, they blend in with their surroundings.

Carl Linnaeus described the first members of this group in 1758, and it has since become clear that anglewing butterflies evolved from a common ancestor.