Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1163070

California Tortoiseshell
Nymphalis californica

Observation date: June 02, 2018
Submitted by: tirvine2020
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: This butterfly was seen along with many others of its species near a small creek and in clearings in the woods. They would often rest and sun themselves and drink water from the mud along the creek. They did not seem very communal, even though there were usually a bunch in the area. They almost seemed aggressive towards one another, they would keep their distances when resting at the creek.
Status: Temporary Colonist
Verified by: Ken Davenport
Verified date: June 24, 2018
Coordinator notes: Aglais urtcae has only been found in the NE USA as a rare import, but may establish itself in the USA and Canada-Ken Davenport