In both sexes, the underside is yellow or green with a black circle instead of a spot. In California, this species ranges from San Diego County north to Sonoma County. Occasionally, it may be found in western Arizona. Its habitat includes mountains and foothills, open oak slopes, and Douglas Fir clearings. It is not present in the deserts.
Adults sip nectar from flowers.
The California Dogface appeared on a U. S. postage stamp in 1976. It was designated as California's state insect in 1972. Contributed by Shauna Wolf.