Simois Checkerspot
Common NameSimois Checkerspot
Scientific NamePhystis simois
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange
HabitatDry meadows, rocky slopes, sagebrush steppe, open ponderosa pine forests
Geographic RangeWestern North America, including British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and California.
Host PlantsPenstemon species, other Scrophulariaceae and Plantaginaceae
Flight PeriodMay to July
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plants. Larvae are spiny, dark, and feed communally in early instars, overwintering as larvae before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive checkered pattern of orange spots on a dark background. It can be distinguished from similar checkerspots by the specific arrangement and color of its spots and its association with Penstemon in its range.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a dark brown to black background heavily checkered with bright orange or yellowish-orange spots across both forewings and hindwings.
