The dogface butterfly, so named because of the poodle-like silhouette on the wings of the male, was adopted as the official California insect on July 28, 1972, but entomologists had selected it as the state insect as early as 1929.
What are 3 interesting facts about the dogface butterfly?
The ‘dogface’ name comes from a wing pattern resembling a dog’s face (some think it looks like a poodle) which is found on the male of the species. Its wings are an iridescent bluish-black, orange and sulfur-yellow in color. The female has a small black dot on each of its yellow forewings.
Where can the dogface butterfly be found?
Also known as the “dog head butterfly”, the California dogface butterfly is endemic to California, found only between north-central California and Baja California, between the Sierra Nevada and Coast Ranges. It is considered very rare or local throughout its range.
Can the dogface butterfly be found in Oregon and Arizona?
Official State Insect of California
The California dogface butterfly, also called “dog-head butterfly,” is found only in California.
Does California have a state bug?
The Dogface Butterfly, Zerene eurydice, was officially adopted as the state insect of California in 1929.
What is Arizona’s state insect?
Arizona’s state butterfly is the two-tailed swallowtail butterfly (Papilio multicaudata). The two-tailed swallowtail butterfly became the state butterfly in 2001.
What is the Texas state insect?
The Monarch Butterfly was adopted as the Texas state insect on June 16, 1995. Monarch butterflies pass through Texas twice a year during their migrations north and south.
What is the California butterfly?
California’s state insect, the dogface butterfly, or doghead, has graced the California state driver’s license and a U.S. stamp. This bright yellow, orange and black butterfly can be found only in California.
What do dogface butterflies eat?
Food Sources
Southern dogface butterflies seek nectar sources among field grasses and prairie plants, especially alfalfa. Alfalfa provides nectar for adults and serves as food for caterpillars. Other popular food sources include field plants such as white and purple prairie clover, false indigo and black dalea.
What is the state insect of Colorado?
The Colorado Senate Bill 96-122 was passed and in 1996 and Colorado became the 37th state to officially declare a state insect – Hypauurotis chrysalis, the Colorado Hairstreak. The Colorado Hairstreak is a montane butterfly, typically found in hills and canyons between 6500 and 9000 feet.
Are Monarchs native to California?
From early spring through the end of fall, monarchs breed continuously throughout their western range in California, Nevada, Arizona, and parts of Oregon and Washington.
How many states have the monarch butterfly as their state insect?
The Monarch Butterfly is an official state insect in the states of Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. Elementary school students in the seven states chose the butterfly because of its attractive appearance and gentleness. The butterfly symbolizes the friendliness of the states.
What animal represents California?
The California grizzly bear (Ursus californicus) was designated official State Animal in 1953.
