Gillett's Checkerspot
Common NameGillett's Checkerspot
Scientific NameEuphydryas gillettii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatMoist montane meadows, stream banks, forest clearings, often near willow thickets
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, British Columbia, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado
Host PlantsSalix bebbiana, Salix drummondiana, Salix species (willows)
Flight PeriodLate June to early August
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on willow leaves. Larvae are gregarious, feeding on the host plant and overwintering as partially grown caterpillars before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive checkered pattern of orange, black, and white. The underside of the hindwing typically features a prominent orange band bordered by black and white, which helps differentiate it from other checkerspot species.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly displays a striking checkered pattern of bright orange, black, and white spots and bands across its dorsal wings, with a predominantly black body.
