Read about related Lepidoptera by using the "Forward" and "Backward" device icons. The butterfly members of this Order of insects include the popular and usually colorful species. Butterfly groups include monarchs, satyrs, dagerwings, leaf-wings, owls, buckeyes, admirals, checkerspots, crecents, fritillaries, heliconids, riodinids, blues, hairstreaks, coppers, whites, orange-tips, sulphurs and swallowtails.

California Sister Limenitis bredowii californicus Lepidoptera Nymphalidae This freshly emerged adult California Sister butterfly was sitting on a rock while it finished pumping fluids into its expanding wings. You'll notice the wing tips still have a little way to go. The name is inspired by the striking black and white coloration found on the fore wings which resembles a nun's habit. This butterfly is similar in appearance to the Lorquin's Admiral. Adults feed on oak and can be found patrolling the canyons and gulches. You'll also find them sipping nectar from mud pools, fruit and buckeye flower blossoms. Caterpillars are identified by six pair of tubercles protruding from their back. View the Index of Orders View Complete Photo List Ants, Bees & Wasps Butterflies & Moths Flies Beetles Lacewings & Antlions Leafhoppers & Cicadas True Bugs Cockroaches Praying Mantids Grasshoppers, Crickets Walking Sticks Dragonflies & Damselflies Mayflies Non-Insects