The Southern Dogface (Colias Cesonia) butterfly,
also known as the California Dogface butterfly
or Dog Head (Colias Eurydice), is easily identified
in the field by their yellow-wing color and having
an "ink blot" pattern of a dog on their wings.
Male Dogface butterflies aggressively patrol meadows,
fields and open areas for females of their species.
Female Dogface butterflies lay their eggs
on the undersides of terminal leaves of host plants,
except in winter when their reproductive systems
stop functioning. Adults
fly all year, especially in the fall, and
three major migratory flights are known in the
Southern states to occur from about May thru June,
July thru August, and September thru April. Northern
Dogface colonists either produce one generation
per year, or they do not reproduce at all.
Almost all Dog face butterflies, and the related
species of sulphurs and whites, are together known
as "pierids" (from
the family name, Pieridae) and their caterpillars
are usually be located in fields,
meadows, and other weedy areas where they
feed on a variety of plants. The most common
host plants of Dogface butterflies are the small-leaved
plants from the pea family (Fabaceae), prairie
clovers (Pentalostemon), alfalfa (Medicago sativa),
and various mustards and legumes. Adult butterflies
tend to feed only on the nectar produced by the
following flowering plants: alfalfa, coreopsis,
houstonia, and verbena.
Southern Dogface butterflies
can often be seen collecting into groups at
puddles during the middle of the day - these are
known as "puddle
parties". Group your own Dogface butterfly
displays and create your own electronic "puddle
party" in
your home or office. String up to three
Add-on Kits to one Complete Kit with the use of
only one electrical outlet plug. Each Southern
Dogface butterfly Add-on you string along flaps
its wings independently so they look very realistic
decorated as a bright yellow group. Each butterfly
flaps it wings 6 times a minute. Create large displays
by using multiple outlets and surge protectors
to power as many butterflies, dragonflies, and
moths as you want. |
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