The California Sister is a large, striking butterfly with black wings crossed by a broad white band and a vivid orange patch on the forewing tip. Its gliding, floating flight between oak canopy visits is distinctive. Males habitually hilltopp and return to the same perches. It glides on flat wings rather than flapping, resembling a miniature crow in flight.
Habitat
Oak and mixed forests of California and Oregon
Diet
Larvae: oak foliage. Adults: tree sap, rotting fruit, dung, and nectar
How common
Common
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