California Sister (Adelpha bredowii [Geyer])
Wing span: 2 1/4 - 4 inches (5.7 - 10.1 cm).
Identification: Upperside is brownish black with an orange patch at the forewing apex. White median band across both wings is broken on the forewing.
Life history: Males perch and patrol all day for receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on leaf edges; caterpillars feed on mature leaves. Young caterpillars make a long perch by extending a leaf vein with dung and silk. Partially-grown caterpillars hibernate.
Flight: Two flights from May-September.
Caterpillar hosts: Leaves of oaks (Quercus) particularly evergreens.
Adult food: Rotting fruit, aphid honeydew, sometimes flower nectar such as California buckeye.
Habitat: Oak-covered hills, groves, and stream valleys.
Range: Southern Oregon east to Colorado, south to southern California, Arizona, South Texas, and Mexico.
