Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Family Nymphalidae Scientific name Nymphalis californica | Phylum Arthropoda Order Lepidoptera Tribe Nymphalini Rank Species | |
 | ||
Similar Papilio eurymedon, Polygonia satyrus, Phyciodes mylitta, Lorquin's admiral, West Coast lady | ||
Dancing california tortoiseshell pupae
The California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
Contents
- Dancing california tortoiseshell pupae
- California tortoiseshell butterfly emerges time lapse v00027
- References
The California tortoiseshell is known for having population explosions which cause the butterflies to migrate to new areas. The cause of these population explosions is unknown. Their larvae eat various species of Ceanothus.
It is recognized for the top of its wings being orange with big black spots (used mainly for camouflage). The browns and greys of the wing underside make it resemble a dead leaf when the wings are closed. Its wingspan varies from 3.2--7 cm (1¼--2¾ inches).
California tortoiseshell butterfly emerges time lapse v00027
References
California tortoiseshell Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA