Silvery Checkerspot
Common NameSilvery Checkerspot
Scientific NameChlosyne nycteis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, meadows, stream banks, roadsides
Geographic RangeEastern and central North America, from southern Canada south to Texas and Florida
Host Plantssunflower, aster, coneflower, wingstem
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are gregarious, black with orange spines, and overwinter as partially grown caterpillars before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive silvery-white band or spots on the underside of the hindwing. The upperside's orange and black checkered pattern with white forewing spots is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a prominent orange and black checkered pattern on its upperside, featuring a row of white spots on the forewings. The underside of the hindwing has distinctive silvery-white markings.
