California Tortoiseshell

More True Brushfoot Butterflies Banded Peacock Common Buckeye Malachite Butterfly Mourning Cloak California Tortoiseshell White Peacock Butterfly Pictures

Tortoiseshell butterflies are a small group of True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae) that divide into two genera.

The California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) in the above picture, Compton Tortoiseshell and Mourning Cloak represent the Nymphalis genus.

California Tortoiseshells are Western butterflies, one of many orange brushfoot species, and one of the first spring arrivals. The black border that surrounds the wings is one helpful identification trait.

During certain years, California Tortoiseshell populations erupt, and large numbers, often reaching the thousands range, migrate. At these times, a mile long drive along a Western mountain pass might mean driving through a group of ten thousand Tortoiseshells.

The caterpillars feed on lilac plants.

© 2002 Patricia A. Michaels