Northern Checkerspot
Common NameNorthern Checkerspot
Scientific NameChlosyne palla
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, clearings, subalpine areas
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from British Columbia south to California and east to Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
Host PlantsAster, Erigeron, Solidago
Flight PeriodMay to August
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and gregarious, overwintering as larvae before pupating in the spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive bright orange and dark checkered pattern. The specific arrangement of spots and bands, especially on the ventral hindwing, helps distinguish it from other checkerspot species.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a striking checkered pattern of bright orange and dark brown to black on its dorsal wings, often with a similar but lighter pattern on the ventral hindwings.
