CALIFORNIA DOGFACE (Zerene eurydice)

Flight Period: Several broods from March through November beginning at lower elevations near the coast. Overwintering behavior is unknown.  It is the official California state insect and also known as the state's butterfly since the 1920's.  Its habitat is coastal to the transition zone chaparral and oak or coniferous woodland up to 9,000 ft. elevation. The male has the dog-face (an outline of a dog's head with an eye), and the female is usually yellow with a round black spot on each forewing.  

Range: The California dogface is only found in California and is most common south of central California.

Host Plant: False indigo (Amorpha californica and A. fruticosa).

Wing Span: 1 7/8 - 2 1/2" (48 - 64mm).