Zerene

Hübner, 1819

dogfaces

Species Guides

2

Zerene is a of butterflies in the Pieridae, commonly called dogfaces due to the poodle- silhouette visible on the wings of males. The genus contains two : Zerene cesonia (southern dogface) and Zerene eurydice (California dogface). Its closest living relative is the genus Colias. Members of this genus are migratory. The California dogface is notable as the official state insect of California, designated in 1972.

Zerene by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Zerene eurydice by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Zerene cesonia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

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.

Identification

Males display a distinctive black and yellow wing pattern with a silhouette resembling a dog's (described as poodle-like), earning the 'dogface.' Females are mostly solid yellow with reduced dark markings. The can be distinguished from the closely related Colias by wing pattern and male-specific markings.

Images

Habitat

Associated with riparian areas and foothill locations where larval plants grow. For Z. eurydice, the primary known host plant false indigo (Amorpha californica) occurs along streambanks and in side canyons, often among poison oak and willows. The most significant known breeding ground is the 40-acre Shutamul Bear River Preserve near Auburn, California.

Distribution

Zerene cesonia ranges across the southern United States and extends into Mexico and Central America; the Z. c. limonella has been recorded in Chile. Zerene eurydice is to California, with documented occurrences in 37 of 58 counties, ranging from San Diego County to Sonoma County, primarily in mountain and foothill locations.

Seasonality

Zerene eurydice has two per year: one from April to July with lifespan of 3-4 months, and a second from August to October with adult lifespan of 6-8 months. Adults from the final brood overwinter in hibernation until emerging in early spring.

Diet

Larvae feed on specific plants: Zerene eurydice larvae feed exclusively on false indigo (Amorpha californica). visit flowers including California buckeye, thistles, and tall blue verbena for nectar.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Complete with four stages: , larva (caterpillar), chrysalis, and . For Z. eurydice, two occur annually with overlapping . occurs as adults in reproductive .

Behavior

Both sexes routinely fly 15-20 feet above ground. Males patrol linear territories, often flying up and down canyons in repeated circuits. are fast, high-flying, and seldom linger long at nectar sources. The is migratory.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on specific leguminous plants; . Local are tightly coupled to host plant distribution and abundance.

Human Relevance

Zerene eurydice is the official state insect of California, designated July 28, 1972. Its image appears on California driver licenses, first-class U.S. postage stamps, and the California State Fair monorail. The is a focus of conservation education and limited-access ecotourism at the Shutamul Bear River Preserve.

Similar Taxa

  • ColiasClosest living relative; distinguished by wing pattern and lack of male 'dogface' silhouette
  • PhoebisSimilar yellow coloration in females; distinguished by wing shape and pattern details

Sources and further reading