Observation date: June 05, 2026
Submitted by: coenbrenda
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: Noticed this Butterfly as we were hiking. I don't recall seeing a California Sister around here before. Chased it down for a photo.
Status: Temporary Colonist
Verified by: mikefisher
Verified date: August 01, 2026
Coordinator notes: Your ID is essentially correct except the Sister found outside of California and Oregon is now known as the Arizona Sister...genetically different but look very much the same as the California Sister. Yours looks like a male but cannot fully tell since the wings on both have the same color and maculation. We do not fully know if the Arizona Sister is a resident in Colorado or just a fly-in. This one is present early in the season and in an area where it might possibly be able to survive year-around. If you made another trek to the site about now you might find it there...if a brood was produced (should this have been a female...or another was present or "showed up"). If you visited the site again next late spring...late May-early June and it were again present, that would help add information to it being a resident. Such a happening may only be temporary...maybe last a couple of years and then be gone again...well that is the way of nature. The host for the caterpillars is oak. Thanks much for taking the time to submit your sighting. These are always interesting! Mike
