The genus Cynthia with nine species (including C. annabella, new species) and the genus Bassaris with two species are recognized as separate from the genus Vanessa, with five species remaining. All taxa are keyed and redefined with characters, including the male and female genitalia, tarsi, and wing habitus. Knowledge of the distribution and biology of most species is extensive and is given herein (for distribution) or cited (known food plants are listed and references to the literature of the biology are given). Unusual modified setae on the ovipositors are described for five Cynthia species.
