Cream-banded Checkerspot
Common NameCream-banded Checkerspot
Scientific NameChlosyne palla
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, cream
HabitatOpen woodlands, chaparral, dry hillsides, sagebrush scrub
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico), Northern Mexico
Host PlantsEricameria nauseosa, Machaeranthera canescens, Aster spp.
Flight PeriodMarch to July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plants, larvae feed gregariously, pupate as chrysalides, and emerge as adults, typically having one or two broods per year.
Identification TipsLook for its dark wings with a distinctive cream-colored band across the forewing and a series of cream spots along the margins of both the forewings and hindwings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings adorned with prominent cream-colored spots that form distinct bands, especially on the forewings.
