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California Tortoiseshell

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description California Tortoiseshell Overview

The California Tortoiseshell is a butterfly found in western North America. It is recognized for orange-brown coloration on the wings and belongs to the brush-footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae. In some years, its populations increase dramatically, producing large movements of adults across the landscape. These irregular migrations and population surges make the species of interest to lepidopterists and to people studying changes in insect abundance.

help California Tortoiseshell FAQ

What is the scientific name of the California Tortoiseshell?

The California Tortoiseshell is Nymphalis californica, a brush-footed butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found across western North America rather than only in California.

Why does the California Tortoiseshell sometimes appear in huge numbers?

Its population can vary sharply from year to year, and favorable breeding conditions can produce large migrations or movements of adults. These movements may carry butterflies far beyond the place where they developed.

What plants do California Tortoiseshell caterpillars eat?

The caterpillars use plants in the genus Ceanothus, including tobaccobrush and snowbrush. The National Park Service notes that migrant females lay eggs on new Ceanothus buds during summer breeding. [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/california-tortoiseshell.htm)

Is the California Tortoiseshell found only in California?

No. Its range extends through western North America, including areas of Canada, the western United States, and northern Baja California.

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