General: California Tortoiseshell Butterflies (Nymphalis californica) are recognized by the irregular edge of the wings, the orange ground color with black and white spots, and a dark border. The hindwing appears unmarked, but a small black spot is concealed by the forewing. The underside of the wing is mottled brown like a dried leaf.

Taxonomy: Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae); Subfamily: True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae).

Preferred Habitat: Mountain forests. This species lives in mountains throughout the western US from Baja California to Canada.

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