California Sister
Common NameCalifornia Sister
Scientific NameAdelpha bredowii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white, orange-brown
HabitatOak woodlands, canyons, riparian areas, chaparral
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from California east to Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas, south into Mexico
Host PlantsQuercus agrifolia, Quercus chrysolepis, Quercus kelloggii
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on oak leaves. Larvae feed on oak foliage, often camouflaged as bird droppings. Pupae are typically green or brown, resembling a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad white band on dark brown wings, often with orange-brown forewing tips. Commonly found perching on trees or flying in oak woodlands.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings, a prominent diagonal white band across both forewings and hindwings, and reddish-orange tips on the forewings.
