Pallid checkerspot butterfly
Chlosyne palla
insectView on iNaturalist
Orange and black checkered butterfly, smaller than California Patch. Rare Bay Area native; caterpillars feed on native thistles; important indicator of native plant health.
Plants that support Pallid checkerspot butterfly
5 plants
Californica Goldenrod
Solidago californica
perennial herb
primary larval host in California populations
Bay Area nativeKeystone species
Chaparral Sunflower
Helianthella californica
perennial herb
caterpillars feed on foliage in spring after emergence from diapause
Bay Area native
Dense-flower Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja densiflora subsp. Densiflora
annual
Host plant for larval development
Bay Area native
Narrowleaf mule ears
Wyethia angustifolia
perennial herb
Important spring larval host plant in California foothills and valleys
Bay Area native
Vervain
Verbena lasiostachys var. scabrida
perennial herb
Early season larval host for California populations
Bay Area native