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Northern Checkerspot

Chlosyne palla

The Northern Checkerspot is a colorful butterfly with bright orange and black patterns. It flutters around fields and meadows, bringing joy to anyone who sees it!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Northern Checkerspot is a medium-sized butterfly with an intricate pattern of orange, black, and white squares across its wings. Its hindwings often feature a prominent band of bright orange spots against a dark background, making it distinct from similar checkerspot species.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusChlosyne
Northern Checkerspot
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Northern Checkerspot

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Female Northern Checkerspots lay all their tiny eggs together in a big cluster on one leaf!

Its caterpillars change colors as they grow, starting dark and becoming striped!

They can tell if a plant is safe to eat just by tasting it with their special sensory feet!

This butterfly sips sweet flower nectar using a long, straw-like tongue called a proboscis.

Special abilities

Ability

Pattern Camouflage

Northern Checkerspot has a detailed checkered pattern that helps them blend into their flowery habitats, making them harder for predators to spot.

Ability

Host Plant Palate

Northern Checkerspot larvae can only eat certain plants because of their specialized digestive systems, which helps them avoid toxic plants.

Ability

Darting Flight

Northern Checkerspot can dart quickly and erratically through the air, allowing them to escape from birds and other hungry predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
35-55 mm
Size
15-25 mm
Lifespan
10-25 days
Flight Speed
10 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on specific plant leaves.

Age differences: Caterpillars consume plant leaves, while adults primarily drink flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • Penstemon
  • Aster
  • Castilleja

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch butterflies, as they are delicate and can be easily hurt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northern Checkerspot's wingspan?

35-55 mm

How big is Northern Checkerspot?

15-25 mm

How long does Northern Checkerspot live?

10-25 days

How fast can Northern Checkerspot fly?

10 km/h

What does Northern Checkerspot eat?

Adults sip flower nectar; caterpillars munch on specific plant leaves.

Where is Northern Checkerspot usually found?

Grasslands

How does Northern Checkerspot hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Northern Checkerspot have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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