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The California tortoiseshell (''Nymphalis californica'') is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
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 (– inches).
Caterpillars are black with white spots and hairs. Each segment of the body has seven spines. They eat various species of ''
Butterflies of Canada: ''Nymphalis californica'' (California Tortoiseshell)
californica Butterflies of North America Fauna of the California chaparral and woodlands Butterflies described in 1852 Taxa named by Jean Baptiste Boisduval {{Nymphalinae-stub
The California tortoiseshell (''Nymphalis californica'') is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
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 (– inches).
Caterpillars are black with white spots and hairs. Each segment of the body has seven spines. They eat various species of ''Ceanothus
''Ceanothus'' is a genus of about 50–60 species of Actinorhizal plant, nitrogen-fixing shrubs and small trees in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). Common names for members of this genus are buckbrush, California lilac, soap bush, or just ceano ...
''.
This butterfly is known for having irregular population explosions. Ravens commonly prey on California tortoiseshells in population explosions during outbreak years.
References
External links
Butterflies of Canada: ''Nymphalis californica'' (California Tortoiseshell)
californica Butterflies of North America Fauna of the California chaparral and woodlands Butterflies described in 1852 Taxa named by Jean Baptiste Boisduval {{Nymphalinae-stub