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Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Lepidoptera
Nymphalidae
Nymphalis
Nymphalis californica

California Tortoiseshell

Nymphalis californica
Nymphalis californica
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Summary

The California tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. 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). Caterpillars are black with white spots and hairs. Each segment of the body has seven spines. They eat various species of Ceanothus. This butterfly is known for having irregular population explosions. Ravens commonly prey on California tortoiseshells in population explosions during outbreak years.

California Tortoiseshell

Nymphalis californica

Tags

harmless

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Nymphalis

People often ask

How big does a california tortoiseshell get?
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