ExploreInsects

Variable Checkerspot

Euphydryas chalcedona

The Variable Checkerspot is a colorful butterfly with beautiful orange and black patterns. They flutter around in sunny meadows and are fun to spot during warm days.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Variable Checkerspot is a medium-sized butterfly with striking black, orange, and white checkerboard patterns across its wings. Its vibrant markings can vary greatly, making each individual's pattern unique and often different across populations.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusOccidryas
Variable Checkerspot
social trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Variable Checkerspot

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Most of this butterfly's life is spent as a hungry caterpillar, munching leaves before becoming an adult!

Some Variable Checkerspots can live high in mountain habitats where it's often quite chilly!

They use sunshine to warm up their bodies, helping them fly faster and explore their world with ease!

This butterfly's name means 'beautiful' in Greek, matching its intricate, gemstone-like wing patterns!

Special abilities

Ability

Flavor Defender

Variable Checkerspot caterpillars eat certain plants that make them taste bad to predators, protecting them from hungry birds.

Ability

Nectar Siphoner

The Variable Checkerspot has a long, straw-like proboscis that helps them sip sweet nectar from deep inside flowers.

Ability

Pattern Shifter

Variable Checkerspots can display different wing patterns and color intensities depending on where they live.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
32-57 mm
Size
20-30 mm
Lifespan
10-30 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip flower nectar for energy.

Age differences: Caterpillars consume plant leaves; adult butterflies feed exclusively on flower nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Plantago lanceolata
  • Castilleja affinis
  • Diplacus aurantiacus
  • Nectar from various wildflowers

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja affinis

Larvae munch on its leaves.

depends on

English Plantain

Plantago lanceolata

Caterpillars feed on its foliage.

eaten by

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

Feeds on adult butterflies.

pollinates

California Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum

Adults visit flowers for nectar.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and quiet when watching butterflies so you don't scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Variable Checkerspot's wingspan?

32-57 mm

How big is Variable Checkerspot?

20-30 mm

How long does Variable Checkerspot live?

10-30 days

How fast can Variable Checkerspot fly?

15 km/h

What does Variable Checkerspot eat?

Caterpillars munch on leaves, while adult butterflies sip flower nectar for energy.

Where is Variable Checkerspot usually found?

Grasslands

How does Variable Checkerspot hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Variable Checkerspot have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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