Biology:California tortoiseshell
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Short description: Species of butterfly
| California tortoiseshell | |
|---|---|
| File:California Tortoiseshell, Blue Diamond, NV, US imported from iNaturalist photo 76469538.jpg | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Genus: | Nymphalis |
| Species: | N. californica
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| Binomial name | |
| Nymphalis californica (Boisduval, 1852)
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The California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae.
Description
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
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Will, Kip; Gross, Joyce; Rubinoff, Daniel; Powell, Jerry A. (2020). Field Guide to California Insects. Oakland, California: University of California Press. pp. 414. ISBN 9780520288744.
- ↑ California Tortoiseshell Nymphalis californica (Boisduval, 1852)
- ↑ Hendricks, Paul (2005). "Common Ravens Capturing Adult California Tortoiseshell Butterflies". Northwestern Naturalist 86 (2): 81–82. doi:10.1898/1051-1733(2005)086[0081:CRCACT2.0.CO;2].
External links
Wikidata ☰ Q2285307 entry
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