This butterfly is endemic to California and Baja, Mexico.
WSU Vancouver
Natural History
A California dogface butterfly perches upside-down on a stem.
A California dogface butterfly drinks nectar from a purple flower.
Habitat
California dogface is found in a variety of habitats, from coastal chaparral to transition zone oak or coniferous woodlands at elevations of up to 9,000 feet.
A California dogface butterfly nectars on a lavender flower.
Flowering false indigo.
A California dogface butterfly drinks nectar while perched inside of a bell-shaped flower.
A California dogface butterfly perching among leaves and branches in an enclosure.
A California dogface butterfly drinks nectar from a bright pink flower.
A California dogface butterfly is gently held by a human researcher.
Population Dynamics
Adults tend to fly fast and are thought able to travel a distance of several kilometers within their range.
Although this species tends to be uncommon, it persists in a relatively large number of occurrences.
Reports indicate that the species tends to be present in low densities throughout the range.
Life Cycle
A California dogface butterfly drinks nectar from a purple flower.
