Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies
Lepidoptera
   Nymphalidae

     Chlosyne gabbii
     Gabb's Checkerspot


upperside
underside

Size: wingspread 1.25-1.75 in.
Recognition: Pattern of black and orange checkered bands in varying shades of orange.
Flight period: March to June.
Hostplants: Hazardia (Haplopappus squarrosus) and beach aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia) are used, along with other members of the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Habitat: Found in coastal mountains, oak woodlands, foothills, and forest watercourses.
Distribution: Central California coast south into northern Baja California coast. It is present in Santa Barbara County and has been recorded in abundance on Santa Cruz Island.

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