California tortoiseshell
| California tortoiseshell | |
|---|---|
| File:California Tortoiseshell, Blue Diamond, NV, US imported from iNaturalist photo 76469538.jpg | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Genus: | Nymphalis |
| Species: | N. californica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Nymphalis californica (Boisduval, 1852)
| |
The California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
Description
[edit | edit source]
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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]External links
[edit | edit source]
Lua error in Module:Taxonbar at line 165: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
