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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera) » Butterflies and Skippers (Papilionoidea) » Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) » Crescents, Checkerspots, Anglewings, etc. (Nymphalinae) » Nymphalini » Ladies and Red Admiral (Vanessa) » West Coast Lady - Hodges#4436 (Vanessa annabella)
Photo#239203
West Coast Lady - Vanessa annabella
Copyright © 2008 iNaturalist

West Coast Lady - Vanessa annabella
Sunnyvale WPC ponds, south SF Bay, Santa Clara County, California, USA
June 16, 2008
Size: ~40-45 mm
This is a Vanessa annabella -- the squared-off forewing is diagnostic. Any way to determine gender?
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Contributed by iNaturalist on 10 November, 2008 - 7:30pm
Last updated 10 April, 2010 - 6:08pm

probably male
It's hard to be sure, but the shape of the wings looks male. The females have wings that are a bit fuller and more rounded (especially the hind wing). It is a tad easier if the abdomen is showing, females usually have fatter abdomens as viewed from above.
… David J. Ferguson, 11 November, 2008 - 7:09pm login or register to post comments

Nice specimen, nice shot.
Nothing on gender in Butterflies through Binoculars The West.
… Ron Hemberger, 10 November, 2008 - 9:03pm login or register to post comments

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