| Taxon | Nymphalis californica |
|---|---|
| Authority | (Boisduval, 1852) |
The California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
Description
The wings of the California tortoiseshell have ragged edges. The upper sides of the wings are orange with black spots and a wide black margin. The undersides of the wings are a mottled dark brown. Its wingspan varies from 3.2 to 7 cm (1 1⁄4–2 3⁄4 inches).[1][2]
Caterpillars are black with white spots and hairs. Each segment of the body has seven spines.[1]
Ecology
Larvae eat various species of Ceanothus.[1] This butterfly is known for having irregular population explosions.[1] Ravens commonly prey on California tortoiseshells in population explosions during outbreak years.[3]
References
- ^ Will, Kip; Gross, Joyce; Rubinoff, Daniel; Powell, Jerry A. (2020). Field Guide to California Insects. Oakland, California: University of California Press. p. 414. ISBN 9780520288744.
- ^ California Tortoiseshell Nymphalis californica (Boisduval, 1852)
- ^ Hendricks, Paul (2005). "Common Ravens Capturing Adult California Tortoiseshell Butterflies". Northwestern Naturalist. 86 (2): 81–82. doi:10.1898/1051-1733(2005)086[0081:CRCACT2.0.CO;2]