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California tortoiseshell

Eastern Washington

California tortoiseshell butterfly or Nymphalis californica picture
California tortoiseshell butterfly or Nymphalis californica

California tortoiseshell butterflies (Nymphalis californica) have adapted to rely on various types of ceanothus including mountain balm as host plants for their caterpillars.

The upper wing surface is orange-brown with large black spots and dark wing borders. The underside is dark mottled brown, darker at the base of the wings; the hindwing does not have a centered silver spot. Wingspan is 1-1/4 to 2-3/4 inches.

California tortoiseshell adults emerge in June and fly until fall, then overwinter to emerge again the following spring. The tattered and worn adults show themselves in April and May, mating and laying eggs for the next brood.

California tortoiseshell butterfly ventral wing
California tortoiseshell butterfly

Picture of California tortoiseshell butterfly
California tortoiseshell in October

California tortoiseshell caterpillar photo
California tortoiseshell caterpillar
feeding on mountain balm