General: California Patch butterflies (Chlosyne californica) are recognized by their black and orange pattern. On the upper surface of the wings, the inner 1/3 is black, the middle 1/3 is orange, and the outer 1/3 is black and orange with tiny white spots. The submarginal orange spots are large. The underside of the hindwing has a red spot near the base. Taxonomy: Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae); Subfamily: True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae).
Comments: Occurs from southern California to southern Arizona, north into southern Nevada, and south into Mexico. This species can be common during fall around Las Vegas. |