Gaudy Checkerspot
Common NameGaudy Checkerspot
Scientific NameChlosyne gaudialis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)45
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, orange, yellow, white
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, open woodlands, scrublands, desert washes
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsHelianthus, Ambrosia, Verbesina
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters, and the larvae are spiny, often gregarious, feeding on various Asteraceae plants before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pattern of black, orange, and yellow patches combined with a row of white spots on the wing margins. The specific arrangement of these colors helps distinguish it from other *Chlosyne* species.
Description
This butterfly has striking black wings adorned with prominent orange patches on the forewings and smaller yellow patches on the hindwings, all outlined by a series of white spots along the margins.
