Chalcedon Checkerspot
Euphydryas chalcedona chalcedona
insectView on iNaturalist
CA Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern
Large checkered butterfly with orange and black wings. Bay Area native; caterpillars feed on native thistles; vital for seed-eating songbirds.
Plants that support Chalcedon Checkerspot
4 plants
California Figwort
Scrophularia californica
perennial herb
Larval hostplant; caterpillars feed on foliage Apr-May; adult nectar source
Bay Area native
Coast Indian Paintbrush
Castilleja affinis subsp. affinis + Diplacus aurantiacus
shrub
Larval host plant; caterpillars feed on foliage April-June
Bay Area native
Coast Range Mule-ears
Wyethia glabra
perennial herb
Larvae feed on foliage in early spring; critical host plant for this subspecies in California
Bay Area native
Yellow Bush Penstemon
Keckiella antirrhinoides
perennial herb
Nominal subspecies; primary host plant in coastal California populations
Bay Area native