Anicia Checkerspot
Common NameAnicia Checkerspot
Scientific NameEuphydryas anicia
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyMelitaeinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, yellow, black
HabitatOpen, dry areas, rocky slopes, alpine meadows, sagebrush steppe, subalpine forests
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from southern British Columbia and Alberta south through the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico and Arizona, and west to California
Host PlantsPenstemon, Castilleja, Collinsia, Orthocarpus
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plants. Larvae are gregarious initially, then disperse and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the intricate checkerboard pattern of orange, yellow, and black on the wings. Distinguishing from other *Euphydryas* species often requires close examination of specific markings and knowledge of geographic range.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a striking checkerboard pattern of orange, yellow, and black spots and bands across its wings. The body is dark and hairy.
