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

Quino Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha quino)

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 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.

Average wingspan: Approximately 3 cm

Flight pattern: Fast

Eggs

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

Quick Facts
Distribution	In California, USA, and in Mexico
Habitat/Range	Sunny openings within dense vegetation consisting of stunted trees or bushes, coastal sage shrubland, and open grasslands
Lifespan of adults	4 to 8 weeks
Host plants	Larvae feed on leaves of dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta); also, owl’s-clover (Castilleja exserta) and blond plantain or desert Indianwheat (Plantago ovata)
Adult diet	Flower 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.