Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies
Lepidoptera
   Nymphalidae

     Euphydryas chalcedona
     Variable Checkerspot


upperside
underside

Size: wingspread 1.2-2.25 in.
Recognition: Extremely variable depending on specific population; black, white and red, spot and checker pattern; abdomen has cream spots down sides. Edith's checkerspot has similar markings, but lacks cream spots on abdomen and is typically smaller.
Flight period: Flies from April to June.
Hostplants: Monkeyflower (Mimulus species), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja species) and Figwort (Scrophularia species) among others.
Habitat: Foothills, woodland, oak forests, brushy fields, and moist areas, are all habitats where the Variable Checkerspot may be found.
Distribution: The Variable Checkerspot is found throughout the western U.S., including all of California except the central valley. Edith's Checkerspot (E. editha) occurs in many of the same areas as the Variable Checkerspot and can be easily confused.

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