California Tortoiseshell one of eight possible species to find
California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica) is one of eight species (Compton Tortoiseshell, Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, Mourning Cloak, Green Comma, Hoary Comma, Satyr Comma and Oreas Comma) that overwinter as adults. These butterflies become active after a winter of dormancy when early spring temperatures hit about 60 degrees Fahrenheit given abundant sunshine. Other butterfly species employ different biological process, e.g. overwinter as egg or caterpillar. Flying adults not seen flying until May or later.
Back to the eight kinds of butterflies that overwinter as adults. They hibernate in tree cavities, rock crevices and even buildings (abandoned, that is). Check out the fact sheet below for California Tortoiseshell for additional facts.
So the best strategy for finding early spring flying butterflies is to investigate habitats with cavities, crevices or old buildings.
That has been my strategy. Bass Creek (National Recreation Area) is my usual go-to site. Large snowfalls locally in February are slow in melting and exposing the ground, access is even an issue. That is a major reason for lack of success. There is also luck involved.
Christine, my wife, saw a butterfly sunning itself on our house while I was out looking for butterflies yesterday!
If you don’t find butterflies by habitat searches, concentrate on food sources for these butterflies: scat, fruit, sap and moist soil.
Good luck in finding early spring butterflies!
