In temperate zones members of the Papilionidae and Pieridae normally roost beneath the leaves of herbaceous plants. Species which hibernate as adults need a particularly effective disguise, as they have to remain hidden for many months to avoid being eaten by birds. The Brimstone Gonepteryx rhamni for example is superbly camouflaged as it hangs beneath the leaves of bramble during the winter. The wings are leaf-like in shape and colour, and even have raised venation to simulate the veins of leaves.

Gonepteryx rhamni, ( Pieridae ) hibernating beneath a bramble leaf, West Sussex, England

In contrast many members of the Nymphalinae roost hanging beneath tree branches, where their underside patterns offer an effective dead-leaf disguise.

Polyommatine Blues usually roost at the top of grass heads, assuming a head-downwards posture. Satyrines such as Small Heath, Marbled White and Meadow Brown commonly roost on grass heads or flower heads. Checkerspots and Pearl-bordered Fritillaries adopt a similar tactic, often roosting on the flowers of rushes. Such strategies may seem a little difficult to understand, as the butterflies are easily spotted. The probable explanation is that they are choosing sites where they are out of reach of nocturnal predators such as mice.