California Sister
Common NameCalifornia Sister
Scientific NameAdelpha californica
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, white, orange
HabitatOak woodlands, chaparral, canyons, riparian areas
Geographic RangeCalifornia, parts of Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and Baja California
Host PlantsQuercus agrifolia, Quercus chrysolepis, Quercus wislizeni
Flight PeriodMarch to October
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on oak leaves. Larvae feed on oak leaves and overwinter as larvae. Pupae are cryptic, resembling dead leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark wings with a broad white band and a bright orange patch at the forewing tip. Often seen perching on oak leaves or tree trunks.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring a prominent white band across both forewings and hindwings, and a distinctive orange patch at the apex of the forewings.
