The Dazzling Diversity of Butterflies in California

With its varied geography and mild climate California is home to over 200 species of butterflies. From tiny blues to large swallowtails, these winged beauties add beauty and wonder to backyards, parks and wild spaces across the state. Here’s an introduction to some of the most frequently encountered butterflies you’re likely to see in California.

Monarch – The Iconic Migrator

No butterfly is more iconic than the striking black and orange Monarch (Danaus plexippus). These familiar insects breed west of the Rocky Mountains and migrate to California for the winter, arriving by the thousands in fall to overwinter sites along the coast. Milkweed is vital to Monarchs, as it’s the only plant their caterpillars can eat. Monarch numbers have declined due to habitat loss, so planting milkweed in gardens helps provide needed waystations during migration.

Monarchs are frequently seen in California from late summer into early winter, especially near the coast, before the survivors head back east in spring Their bright colors warn predators that they taste bad, thanks to toxins absorbed from milkweed as caterpillars.

Painted Lady – A Cosmopolitan Wanderer

Painted Ladies (Vanessa cardui) are one of the most widespread butterflies, found on every continent except Antarctica and Australia. In California, their numbers fluctuate dramatically depending on rainfall in the deserts where they breed. Some years, thousands arrive in massive migrations.

These fast, erratic fliers have orange wings with black tips and white spots on the forewings. Their caterpillars feed on thistles and other plants. Painted Ladies are attracted to a wide variety of flowers. They’re also one of the few butterflies that can mate year-round not just in spring and summer.

Gulf Fritillary – A Tropical Delight

With its bright orange wings strikingly marked with black, the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) is easy to identify. It has expanded its range northward from the Gulf states, following the spread of passionflowers, the only host plant for its caterpillars.

Gulf Fritillaries are now common across Southern California and can be found in urban areas. Adults sip nectar from flowers of all colors, but are especially drawn to orange, red, and pink blooms. They fly year-round in the warmer parts of the state.

Anise Swallowtail – A Lively Lemon Beauty

The Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon) is a large, pale yellow butterfly with black stripes and dots. It’s a common sight along the coast and in the foothills. The male patrols hilltops and canyons watching for females. Caterpillars feed on plants in the carrot family, including fennel.

The Anise Swallowtail flies from late winter into fall, with several broods. The yellow wings may have an iridescent blue glow in certain lights. These energetic butterflies visit gardens often, especially herb plantings.

Western Tiger Swallowtail – A Dazzling Giant

The Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus) is the largest butterfly regularly seen in California, with a wingspan up to 4 inches. The wings are yellow with bold black stripes, accented with orange spots. Look for them along streams and rivers or in canyons, where their caterpillars feed on willow, cottonwood, and other trees.

Males patrol trails along hillsides watching for females. The Western Tiger Swallowtail flies from early spring into summer in wide-open spaces statewide. Despite its large size, it’s a strong flier, swiftly sailing on the breeze.

Cabbage White – An Aggressive Arrival

The small, white Cabbage White (Pieris rapae) is not native to North America. It traveled here from Europe as an accidental stowaway on imported plants. With no natural predators, it multiplied out of control, becoming a major pest of cabbage and other crops in the mustard family.

This prolific butterfly is now one of the most abundant throughout California year-round, its white wings making a stark contrast as it flits around gardens and fields. Caterpillars should be picked off host plants, but adults don’t damage anything and provide free pest control by pollinating crops.

Cloudless Sulphur – A Saturated Sunshine

Brilliant yellow Cloudless Sulphurs (Phoebis sennae) fly from early spring through late fall in open, sunny areas statewide. They’re known for their fluttering, zig-zagging flight as they seek nectar from yellow and pink flowers. Caterpillars feed on plants like cassia and senna.

Cloudless Sulphurs thrive in hot, dry conditions. Males perch on the ground watching for females. Though widespread, their numbers have declined due to development reducing open habitat. Planting native flowers helps provide the blooms they depend on.

Mournful Duskywing – A Camouflaged Skimmer

Don’t blink or you may miss the Mournful Duskywing (Erynnis tristis)! This small brown butterfly rests with wings closed, blending into bark and dry leaves. Often the first butterfly seen in spring, it flies close to the ground in oak woodlands statewide. Caterpillars feed on oaks and other trees.

To spot this expert hider, watch for it darting among grass and low wildflowers as a flash of darker brown. Duskywings get their name from the dark edges on their wings and habit of flying near dusk. Though cryptic, they’re common wherever oaks grow.

Fiery Skipper – An Explosive Flame

Small but eye-catching, male Fiery Skippers (Hylephila phyleus) are bright orange with brown-black patches on the upperside of their wings. Females are darker brown overall. This species flies year-round across Southern California, straying northward in summer and fall.

Eggs are laid on grasses, an important caterpillar host. Fiery Skippers are drawn to purple, pink, and red flowers, meandering more slowly than many other skipper species. Watch for them in gardens, parks, and weedy areas from sunny San Diego to the Central Valley.

Common Buckeye – A Dazzling Disguise

The Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) is a mostly brown butterfly with big yellow and black “eye” spots on the lower wings. These false eyespots likely deter predators. The Buckeye has orange bars along the front edge of the forewings. Look for them in fields and along roadsides statewide.

Buckeyes get their name from resemblance of the eyespots to a deer’s eyes. They have multiple broods from early spring through fall. Caterpillars feed on plantain, snapdragon, and other wildflowers. These widespread butterflies fly leisurely, but are quick to take wing if approached.

From flashy swallowtails to tiny hairstreaks, California’s remarkable diversity of butterflies will brighten any outing. Watching their grace and beauty as they flutter among wildflowers or perch with wings spread adds immeasurable delight to a nature walk. By providing host and nectar plants, you can invite more of these flying flowers into your own yard.