Dogfaces

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zerene: //zɛˈriːnɛ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

The California dogface butterfly (Zerene eurydice) is an endemic species of butterfly recognized for its distinctive yellow-black wing pattern resembling a dog face. It is California's state insect and plays a role in local ecosystems as a pollinator. Though it faces threats due to habitat loss, it is considered to have a relatively secure global status based on its occurrences.

Physical Characteristics

The male California dogface butterfly has black outer edges on the forewings, enclosing yellow-orange coloration with two black dots. The female mostly has yellow wings with two black dots or dashes. The wings are covered with scales to assist in flight aerodynamics and heat insulation, and their average wingspan measures 5.1 to 6.3 cm.

Identification Tips

The distinct pattern on the upper forewings resembles a yellow 'dog face' bordered by black, with a black circle resembling an eye. Males have iridescent dorsal forewings that display UV patterns.

Habitat

Foothills, chaparral, oak, or coniferous woodlands in temperate terrestrial environments.

Distribution

Primarily found in California, especially in the San Bernardino and Santa Ana Mountains. Regularly migrates across the southern two-thirds of the United States, with occasional occurrences in central Canada and the Great Lakes.

Diet

Larvae exclusively feed on Amorpha californica and Amorpha fruticosa, which belong to the Fabaceae family. Adults are attracted to nectar from flowers such as blue gilia, sunflowers, and thistle blooms.

Life Cycle

Breeding occurs between early spring and late summer, with females laying an average of 100 eggs per season. Larval and pupal stages display greenish-yellow coloration for camouflage.

Reproduction

Breeding occurs between early spring and late summer, with females laying around 100 eggs. Males typically fly from about 7 a.m. until the afternoon, while females depart an hour or two later after males.

Predators

Ants, spiders, wasps, parasitic wasps, parasitic flies, birds, rats, toads, lizards, praying mantis, and snakes.

Conservation Status

G4 - apparently secure, though local populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinator; larvae contribute to the food web by feeding on specific host plants.

Cultural Significance

Designated as the state insect of California since 1972. It is noteworthy that California was the first state to designate a state insect.

Evolution

Closely related to the genus Colias, with a shared characteristic of yellow-orange and black wing coordination, and males exhibiting bright UV wing patterns.

Similar Taxa

• Colias spp.

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Butterfly
• Endemic
• California
• State Insect
• Pollinator