Types of Butterflies in California
California is home to about 170 species of butterflies, out of which the large marble butterfly, the field crescent, the west coast lady, the sooty wing, and the California ringlets are the most common. Species like the Painted Lady migrate northward from the dry Mexican deserts through Southern California to reach their breeding grounds in Washington and Oregon.
The Monarch Butterfly is perhaps the most famous migratory species, while the California Dogface (Zerene eurydice) is the state butterfly of California.
Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae)
- Lorquin’s Admiral (Limenitis lorquini)
- Viceroy (Limenitis archippus)
- Weidemeyer’s Admiral (Limenitis weidemeyerii)
- Blackened Bluewing (Myscelia cyananthe)
- California Sister (Adelpha bredowii)
- Hackberry Emperor (Asterocampa celtis)
- Callippe Fritillary (Speyeria callippe)
- Coronis Fritillary (Speyeria coronis)
- Hydaspe Fritillary (Speyeria hydaspe)
- Great Basin Fritillary (Speyeria egleis)
- Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
- Mormon Fritillary (Speyeria mormonia)
- Nokomis Fritillary (Speyeria nokomis)
- Northwestern Fritillary (Speyeria hesperis)
- Unsilvered Fritillary (Speyeria adiaste)
- Zerene Fritillary (Speyeria zerene)
- Mexican Fritillary (Euptoieta hegesia)
- Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
- Pacific Fritillary (Boloria epithore)
- Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
- Zebra Heliconian (Heliconius charithonius)
- Monarch (Danaus plexippus)
- Queen (Danaus gilippus)
- American Snout (Libytheana carinenta)
- American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
- Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui)
- West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella)
- Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)
- California Patch (Chlosyne californica)
- Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia)
- Northern Checkerspot (Chlosyne palla)
- Gabb’s Checkerspot (Chlosyne gabbii)
- Rockslide Checkerspot (Chlosyne whitneyi)
- Sagebrush Checkerspot (Chlosyne acastus)
- Hoffmann’s Checkerspot (Chlosyne hoffmanni)
- California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica)
- Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
- Compton Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis vaualbum)
- California Crescent (Phyciodes orseis)
- Field Crescent (Phyciodes pulchellus)
- Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
- Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon)
- Texan Crescent (Phyciodes texana)
- Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta)
- Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta)
- Gray Comma (Polygonia progne)
- Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus)
- Green Comma (Polygonia faunus)
- Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis)
- Edith’s Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)
- Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona)
- Leanira Checkerspot (Thessalia leanira)
- Milbert’s Tortoiseshell (Aglais milberti)
- Tiny Checkerspot (Dymasia dymas)
- Dotted Checkerspot (Poladryas minuta)
- Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
- Gray hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
- Brown elfin (Callophrys augustinus)
- Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)
- Great Blue Hairstreak/Great purple Hairstreak (Atlides halesus)
- California Hairstreak/Western Hairstreak (Satyrium californica)
- Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus)
- Acmon Blue (Plebejus acmon)
Metalmark (Riodinidae)
- Mormon metalmark (Apodemia mormo)
Swallowtail (Papilionidae)
- Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon)
- Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
- Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)
- Indra Swallowtail (Papilio indra)
- Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
- Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon)
- Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata)
- Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)
- Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor)
- Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)
- Clodius Parnassian (Parnassius clodius)
- Rocky Mountain Parnassian (Parnassius smintheus)
- Sierra Nevada Parnassian (Parnassius behrii)
Skipper (Hesperiidae)
- White-edged Dusky Wing (Erynnis tristis)
- White Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus albescens)
- Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus)
- Common Branded Skipper (Hesperia comma)
- Sandhill Skipper (Polities sabuleti)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official state butterfly of California?
The official state butterfly of California is the California Dogface (Zerene eurydice). Designated in 1972, this species is notable for the male’s distinct wing markings that resemble a silhouette of a dog’s head. It is a unique species primarily found within the state’s foothill and valley regions.
Which butterflies are most commonly seen in California?
The most common butterflies frequently observed in California include the large marble, the field crescent, and the west coast lady. Other prevalent species are the sooty wing and the California ringlets. These species are widespread and have adapted well to the various climates and habitats found throughout the state.
What is the migration path of the Painted Lady butterfly in California?
The Painted Lady butterfly migrates northward through California from its wintering grounds in the dry deserts of Mexico. This journey takes them across Southern California as they travel towards their breeding areas in the Pacific Northwest, including states like Oregon and Washington, typically during the spring months.
How many different butterfly species live in California?
California is home to approximately 170 distinct species of butterflies. This rich biodiversity is a result of the state’s varied ecosystems, which range from coastal regions and mountains to deserts and central valleys. This number represents a significant portion of the total butterfly species found in North America.
Is the Monarch butterfly considered a migratory species in California?
Yes, the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is one of the most famous migratory species found in California. While some populations famously overwinter along the coast, others migrate through the state as part of their larger North American journey. They are a well-known member of the Brush-Footed butterfly family.
What family do butterflies like the Mourning Cloak and Red Admiral belong to?
The Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa) and Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) both belong to the Nymphalidae family, commonly known as brush-footed butterflies. This large family also includes other well-known California species like the Monarch, Painted Lady, and various types of fritillaries, checkerspots, and other admirals.
Are West Coast Lady butterflies related to Painted Lady butterflies?
Yes, the West Coast Lady (Vanessa annabella) is closely related to the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). Both species belong to the same genus, *Vanessa*, and are part of the Nymphalidae, or brush-footed, family. They share similar appearances but can be distinguished by subtle differences in wing patterns.
