Home / Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) / Quino Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha quino)

Quino Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha quino)

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly

The Quino Checkerspot is a small to medium size butterfly and an endangered subspecies of the Edith’s Checkerspot. Though it was used to be one of the most frequently-spotted butterflies in its habitat, they have been facing a true diapause now, and are quite uncommon. They belong to the butterfly family ‘Nymphalidae’ (i.e., Brush-footed butterfly), known for their spectacular check-patterns.

Scientific Classification


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

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Larvae cloudfront.net

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly larva has two molts (ecdyses). Before the first molt, it is mostly yellowish, while between the first and the second molts, they are gray with black markings.

Pupa

The Chrysalis is mottled black on a bluish-gray base.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Both the sexes look identical.

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, they show a unique checkered pattern all over with brown, orange to reddish, white, and yellowish spots. When they are closed, a checkered pattern dominated by colors red and cream can be noticed. The upper wings have roundish edges while the edges of the lower wings are entirely curved.

Euphydryas Editha Quino calphotos.berkeley.edu

Quino Checkerspot amp.businessinsider.com

Average wingspan: Approximately 3 cm

Flight pattern: Fast

Eggs

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Eggs ellingtoncms.com

Very pale beige to dull yellow in color that is laid and then hatch on the host leaves.

Quick Facts

DistributionIn California, USA, and in Mexico
Habitat/RangeSunny openings within dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes, coastal sage shrubland, and open grasslands
Lifespan of adults4 to 8 weeks
Host plantsLarvae feed on leaves of dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta); also, owl’s-clover (Castilleja exserta) and blond plantain or desert Indianwheat (Plantago ovata)
Adult dietFlower nectar

Did You Know?

According to a research at the Butterfly Conservation’s seventh international symposium in Southampton, the quino checkerspots that are found in Mexico and California have presently shifted to higher altitudes, choosing plants belonging to entirely different species from their hosts, for laying eggs. Such a behavioral adaptation is a striking example of the theory of natural selection because of climate change.

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Habitat squarespace.com

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Host Plant quarespace.com

Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Range Map amazonaws.com

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Scientific Classification

  • Family: Nymphalidae
  • Genus: Euphydryas
  • Scientific Name: Euphydryas editha quino
Published by Avatar on August 11, 2018.
Last Updated: December 19, 2022. ✅ Verified by: Butterfly Team