Adelpha californica is classified under the genus Adelpha (sisters) in the tribe Limenitidini of the subfamily Limenitidinae (admirals and relatives) of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. It belongs to the serpa species group of the genus.
Adelpha californica is categorized as a member of the Adelpha genus, specifically within the Limenitidini tribe, subfamily Limenitidinae (admirals and relatives), of the brush-footed butterfly family Nymphalidae. It belongs to the serpa species group of the genus.