Edith’s Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha)
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
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.
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 |
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| Distribution | Several parts of North America like British Colombia, Nevada, Baja California, Colorado and Utah |
| Habitat | Mountains, 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
- Because of global warming, climate change several of its subspecies have been severely impacted. The Euphydryas Editha bayensis and Euphydryas Editha quino are the most affected ones, being ensured protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Euphydryas
- Scientific Name: Euphydryas editha
