Dictionary Hill Butterflies

A Visual Field Guide to a Unique Butterfly Habitat in San Diego County

Dictionary Hill in San Diego County is more than just a scenic overlook—it's a hilltop with scientific significance. In the 1960s, researcher Oakley Shields studied butterfly hilltopping behavior here, uncovering how male and virgin female butterflies instinctively gather on summits to mate.

Fifty years later, author revisited the same site, surveying the butterflies still calling this open space home. This compact field guide documents over 60 species observed on or near the hill between 2013 and 2017, offering a window into both past and present biodiversity.

Inside you'll find:

• Stunning color photographs of butterflies in life and actual-size specimens

• Clear descriptions of flight seasons, host plants, and behavioral traits

• Easy-to-spot icons marking hilltopping species

• A species checklist based on both historic and recent surveys

• Bonus tips on butterfly photography and identification in the field

Whether you're a naturalist, hiker, educator, or casual observer, this book invites you to discover the ecological richness of one of San Diego’s overlooked natural spaces.

Published 2017
108 pages | Premium color | A5 paperback (5.83" x 8.27") 

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