About Coenonympha california Westwood
Coenonympha california, commonly called the California ringlet or common ringlet, is a butterfly species native to North America. While it was previously classified as a subspecies of Coenonympha tullia, genetic analysis confirms it is a distinct species. California ringlets inhabit grasslands and woodlands across an elevation range from the foothills up to 5,000 feet (1,500 meters). This species produces two broods each year. Adults from the spring brood are darker and grayer than adults from the summer brood, which are buff-colored. This color difference is hypothesized to serve a thermoregulation purpose. Larvae of this species feed on grasses.
