California Tortoiseshell migration seems to be over, here anyway. Monarchs east of the Rocky Mountains spend their winters in Mexico, while those west of the Rockies head for the California coast. A California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) nectaring on a butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) The California Tortoiseshell is bright orange with black spots on the wings, but the underside is a dullish gray-brown, resembling a dead leaf. In recent days, the skies of some areas have been filled with the winged creatures. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are well-known for their long-distance migrations. The species is called the California tortoiseshell … The delicate, jewel-like, orange and black Monarch butterfly spends a few months of its unusual life cycle in California. Follow the paved path to the sewage treatment plant, then go down to the gravel road that runs parallel to the levee (the paved path is runs along the top of the levee) and look for a dirt trail leads through the meadow towards the river. This is at Lassen Peak, the top of a volcano. Have you noticed a large number of orange butterflies recently? Follow the paved path to the sewage treatment plant, then go down to the gravel road that runs parallel to the levee (the paved path is runs along the top of the levee) and look for a dirt trail leads through the meadow towards the river. On warm winter days, you can occasionally see a California Tortoiseshell flitting about! Nymphalis californica are a winter-hibernating species — in California, most often in the Central Valley or Inner Coast range. A California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) nectaring on a butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) in Vacaville, Calif. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey) The California Tortoiseshell is bright orange with black spots on the wings, but the underside is a dullish gray-brown, resembling a dead leaf. Just imagine 1000’s of butterflies surrounding you. Millions of butterflies are dancing through the skies above the Lake Tahoe Basin, delighting locals and tourists alike. California Tortoiseshell Butterfly Nymphalis californica Courtesy US FWS Apr 25, 2019. These butterflies lack the famous ‘stained glass’ patterning effect and spotted body of a monarch. Most likely you are seeing the California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica). 10,500 feet. 07/11/2018. 14 Mar 2019. But that’s only a small part of the story. These orange beauties overwinter in Central Oregon as adults, which is why we see them in the early spring. First Sunny day and Fifty Four Degrees. Southern California is all aflutter thanks to an annual migration of butterflies known as the painted lady. They hibernate in trees, crevices in man-made structures, wood piles, and other shelters. Troutdale, Oregon. They're easy—and beautiful—to watch from many spots along the coast. Add an Observation. Their larva feed almost exclusively on species of Ceanothus and occasionally massive population booms can occur, resulting in near-epic numbers in migratory … As we began to near the summit, we started seeing an array of butterflies fluttering about the area. It's an especially big year for California tortoiseshell butterflies in the Lake Tahoe Basin ... Last seen on May 18, 2019 in Palomar Mountain State Park, Pauma Valley, CA, US | 0 comments. It was a surreal experience to see millions of butterflies gracefully ride the air currents through an unforgivingly harsh volcanic landscape. Slow Down For Butterfly Migration In El Portal. California Tortoiseshell, Nymphalis californica < 2.5” With their wings spread (dorsal) California tortoiseshells share the bright orange coloring of the monarch butterfly.