Theona Checkerspot
Common NameTheona Checkerspot
Scientific NameChlosyne theona
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsdark brown, yellow, orange, white
HabitatArid and semi-arid regions, rocky hillsides, canyons, open woodlands, desert scrub
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California) and Mexico
Host PlantsAster, Coreopsis, Helianthus, Ambrosia, Viguiera, Verbesina
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and gregarious, feeding on host plants, and pupate into a chrysalis. Multiple generations occur annually.
Identification TipsLook for the dark ground color with prominent yellow and orange spots, particularly the distinct orange band on the hindwing. The specific arrangement and color of spots help differentiate it from other Chlosyne species.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings heavily patterned with rows of yellow and orange spots, and small white marginal spots. The forewings have more irregular yellow patches, while the hindwings display more defined bands of yellow and orange.
