The Gonepzerene eurydice is a butterfly and their common name is dog face The name comes from a wing pattern resembling a dog's face (some think it looks like a poodle) which is found on the male of the species sometimes placed in the related genus colias) has been the state insect of the U.S STATE of California since 1972. Its range is limited to that state. California was the first state to choose a state insect — and thus, to choose a butterfly — though most of the other states have now followed, and many even have both a state insect and state butterfly.

 

There Identification is they are Black outer half of male forewing encloses yellow-orange "dog's head" tinged with light purple iridescence. Black "eye" very near or touching the border.hindwing yellow-orange, sometimes with a black border. Female all yellow with a black upper forewing cell spot.

 

The dog face butterfly some time can be different with scattered black scaling outer half. Then the adult butterfly feeds on flower nectar and they can live Foothills, chaparral, oak or coniferous woodlands.

 

They live in North-central California south to Baja California, west of the central mountains and deserts. And their wingspan is 2 - 2 1/2 inches (5.1 - 6.3 cm). then the flight from April-May and July-August.

 

Author: Nick H 

Published: 02/2010

 

Sources: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_dogface_butterfly

http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species?l=1