Northern Checkerspot (Chlosyne palla [Boisduval])
Wing span: 1 3/8 - 1 7/8 inches (3.5 - 4.8 cm).
Identification: Upperside of male is brownish red with a pale median band; base of hindwing is dark. Underside is brownish orange with creamy white bands. Female may be similar to male or black with white spots.
Life history: Males perch in valleys or patrol near host plants for females. Eggs are laid in groups on the underside of host plant leaves, which the caterpillars eat. Caterpillars feed together when young, sometimes in a slight silk web. Partially-grown caterpillars hibernate.
Flight: One flight; in coastal California from April-May, in mountains and northern areas from April-July.
Caterpillar hosts: Goldenrod (Solidago), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus), and asters.
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Coastal chaparral, open woodland, sagebrush, meadows, streamsides.
Range: Southern British Columbia and Alberta south to southern California, south through the Rocky Mountains to Utah and Colorado.
