Hoffmann's Checkerspot
Common NameHoffmann's Checkerspot
Scientific NameChlosyne hoffmanni
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)38.5
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, subalpine meadows, clearings
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, California, and parts of Nevada and Idaho
Host PlantsAster conspicuus, Aster integrifolius, Solidago
Flight PeriodJune to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, gregarious in early instars, and overwinter before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for the characteristic orange and black checkered pattern, especially the specific arrangement of spots, and its presence in mountainous regions of western North America, often near aster host plants.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly featuring a distinctive checkered pattern of bright orange and dark brown to black on both the upper and lower surfaces of its wings.
