Black Checkerspot
Common NameBlack Checkerspot
Scientific NameChlosyne palla
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen dry areas, grasslands, chaparral, sagebrush scrub, forest openings, mountain meadows
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to California and east to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico
Host PlantsAster, Sunflower, Penstemon
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are gregarious, feeding on host plants, and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive checkered pattern of orange and black, with a prominent row of white spots along the outer margin of the hindwings on the dorsal side. The overall appearance is quite 'busy' with many small squares and rectangles of color.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a striking checkered pattern of bright orange, black, and white spots across its wings. The body is dark with some orange markings.
