The California Ringlet is a small, pale cream-and-tan grassland butterfly of California, with tiny eyespots on the hindwing underside. It has a weak, bobbing flight close to grass stems. Like its cousin the Common Ringlet, it inhabits grassland communities but is endemic to California's native grasslands and serpentine prairie habitats.
Best time to see a California Ringlet
The best time to see a California Ringlet is April–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 20,823 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a California Ringlet? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent California Ringlet sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a California Ringlet?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.