Insect · GBIF taxon 1920810
California Dogface
Zerene eurydiceAlso known as California Dogface Butterfly
The California Dogface is a yellow butterfly whose dark forewing pattern can resemble a dog's profile, most clearly in males. Fast, restless flight carries it through open slopes where adults visit flowers and larvae use false indigo shrubs.
State InsectFast-flying ButterflyShrubland Pollinator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Adults drink flower nectar; caterpillars feed mainly on false indigo foliage
Predators
- Birds
- Spiders
- Praying mantises
ThreatsHabitat conversion, loss of host plants, pesticide use, drought, and invasive vegetation
HabitatsFoothill woodland, chaparral openings, stream canyons, grassland edges, and gardens
Life spanAdults live for weeks; the full life cycle is completed within a season
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPieridae
- SpeciesZerene eurydice
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Observe without netting butterflies or trampling their host shrubs.
Responsible observation
- Look: Watch sunlit openings for a rapid yellow butterfly.
- Identify: Seek the dark forewing silhouette and orange-yellow male wings.
- Plants: Observe false indigo without disturbing eggs or caterpillars.
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