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Chalcedon Checkerspot

Euphydryas chalcedona chalcedona

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

critical

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

critical

shrub

Larval host plant; caterpillars feed on foliage April-June

Bay Area native

Coast Range Mule-ears

Wyethia glabra

critical

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

critical

perennial herb

Nominal subspecies; primary host plant in coastal California populations

Bay Area native