Variable Checkerspot

Checkerspot butterflies (Euphydryas chalcedona) feature orange, white, and black "checkered" wings. Common around the west coast of California, in the Coast Range and the Sierra foothills, checkerspot larvae vary in color at different locations. Most caterpillars in this area are black with orange markings. They eat a mix of plant leaves. Adult checkerspot butterflies visit many flowers, including the native California Buckeye, Squawbush (Skunkbush, Lemonade Berry), Yerba Santa, and thistles.