Home / Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) / Edith’s Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)

Edith’s Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)

Edith’s Checkerspot
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The Edith’s Checkerspot belongs to the Nymphalidae family mostly indigenous to the western parts of North America. A few subspecies of this family have dwindled in numbers because of habitat destruction as well as climate change.

Scientific Classification


  • Family: Nymphalidae
  • Genus: Euphydryas
  • Scientific Name: Euphydryas editha

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

Edith’s Checkerspot Caterpillar
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The larva is black with orange or white spots, or white stripes.

Pupa

They have a white or grey body, teamed with black streaks and blotches.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Unknown

Color and Appearance: When opened, the wings are black with bands of orange, red, cream and yellow on the undersides.  When closed, they have a chequered pattern of orange and white. The appearances, however, differ a little based on their place of habitation. Coastal dwellers are black, spotted in cream and red. Those living in the mountains have a mottled or red body with cream, red and black spots.

Edith’s Checkerspot Butterfly
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Euphydryas editha
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Average wingspan: 3.2 cm to 5.1 cm

Flight pattern: Fast

Eggs

They are mostly pale green, laid on host plants in clusters of 20 to 350.

Quick Facts

DistributionSeveral parts of North America like British Colombia, Nevada, Baja California, Colorado and Utah
HabitatMountains, open woodlands, alpine tundra
Lifespan of Adults Approximately ten days
Host plants Plantain, Owl’s Clover, Indian paintbrush, Lousewort, and Penstemon
Adult diet Nectar of flowers

Did You Know

Edith’s Checkerspot Photos
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Edith’s Checkerspot Images
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Edith Checkerspot
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