Hodges#4527.2
Adelpha californica
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Limenitidinae
- Tribe: Limenitidini
- Genus: Adelpha
- Species: californica
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Adelpha californica: /əˈdɛlfə ˌkælɪˈfɔrnɪkə/
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Images
Summary
Adelpha californica, known as the California Sister, is a butterfly species thriving in oak woodlands of western North America. Its distinctive wing patterns and unpalatable nature make it part of a significant mimicry complex. The species has a well-defined life cycle with several larval instars feeding on oak leaves.
Physical Characteristics
The upper surfaces of the wings are dark brown to black with wide cream white bands and two orange patches near the tips of the forewings. The underside varies with browns, blue, orange, and white colors.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from Lorquin's Admiral (Limenitis lorquini) by its larger size and different wing markings. A. californica has two red/orange bars on the front wing margin, whereas Lorquin's Admiral usually has a white bar near the front margin.
Habitat
Primarily found in oak woodlands, often near streams and canyons.
Distribution
Far western North America: from northern Baja California in Mexico, throughout California, western Nevada, Oregon, and occasionally in southwestern Washington.
Diet
Larvae primarily feed on oak species (genus Quercus), including canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) and coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia). Adults may feed on nectar, as well as drink from sap, fruit, and animal droppings.
Life Cycle
Total development time from egg to adult is approximately 65 days. Adults may produce one to three generations annually, flying typically from March through November.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid singly on the upper surface of oak leaves. The larvae go through five instars before pupation.
Predators
Not palatable to predators, contributing to its mimicry complex.
Conservation Status
G5, not considered threatened; abundant throughout its range.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role in pollination and serves as prey for various predators, although it is unpalatable due to its diet.
Evolution
Originally classified as a subspecies of Adelpha bredowii but is now recognized as a distinct species supported by morphological, geographical, and genetic evidence.
Misconceptions
It was previously treated as a subspecies of Adelpha bredowii, leading to confusion regarding its classification and characteristics.
Tags
- butterfly
- Lepidoptera
- Nymphalidae
- Adelpha
- California Sister