Common Ringlet (Coenonympha california) is a small-medium butterfly, with a wingspan of 1.33 to 1.5 inches. In our local area, it is seen from March to September. Numbers peak in April and May. Host plants are various types of grasses and rushes, including Valley Sedge (Carex vallicola), Purple Needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), and California Fescue (Festuca californica). It’s usually seen flying weakly close to the ground. It typically sits with wings closed. Wikipedia lists 19 different subspecies for this butterfly.
It is found in the southern half of Canada and large parts of the US, mainly the western half and the more northern states to the east.
Closed *
Mating pair
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