Harris' checkerspot

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Chlosyne harrisii

Type: invertebrate

Status:

Species Guide

Harris' checkerspot

Chlosyne harrisii

Species Type: invertebrate

Conservation Status:

IDENTIFICATION

The Harris’ checkerspot is a small butterfly with a 1 ¼ – 1 ¾ inch wingspan. They are rich orange in base color with wide black borders that help to distinguish them from other similar butterflies. The Harris’ checkerspot is most similar to the rare silvery checkerspot and the smaller pearl crescent. Both species lack the heavy black pattern that sets off the orange and white, creating the checker-like pattern the Harris’ checkerspot has. The larvae of this species is orange with black bands, branched spines, and a black head.

Distribution & Habitat

DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT

Harris’ checkerspots have a fairly widespread range. They are found in Canada east to New England, south to New Jersey and west to North Dakota. Preferring a wetland habitat, Harris’ checkerspots are typically in bogs, marshes, moist to wet meadows, abandoned pastures, and along streams. Seldom found far from their food plant, they favor open, shrubby or edge areas where their food plant is readily available.

Diet

DIET

During the larval stage, Harris’ checkerspots are found exclusively on flat-topped aster. Flat-topped aster is a common widespread plant of open, wetland habitat. Adults feed on the nectar of a variety of flowers. Flat-topped aster is believed to be the primary food source for both larvae and adults.

Life Cycle

LIFE CYCLE

Female Harris’ checkerspots lay an average of 200 eggs in small clusters on the underside of a plant. It is possible the female will lay her eggs on several different plants. After hatching, the larvae will feed communally and devour their natal leaf. Working their way down the plant, they form a web while they feed. They continue feeding until mid-August when they will disappear from their webs and overwinter in the leaf litter of plants. Harris’ checkerspots then emerge from June-July when they will have one flight and begin the cycle again.