Arizona Sister
Common NameArizona Sister
Scientific NameAdelpha bredowii eulalia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange, blue
HabitatOak woodlands, canyons, riparian areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado), Mexico, and Central America
Host PlantsQuercus species (oaks)
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host oak trees. Caterpillars are cryptic, often resembling bird droppings, and feed on oak leaves. They pupate into a chrysalis that hangs from a silk pad.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad white band across the wings, the bright orange patches at the forewing tips, and the iridescent blue-green markings on the forewings near the body. The underside is also striking with similar patterns but often more muted colors.
Description
This butterfly has dark brown to black wings with a prominent, broad white band extending across both forewings and hindwings. The forewing tips feature a large, bright orange patch, and iridescent blue-green markings are visible near the body on the forewings.
