Sagebrush Checkerspot

Description

The Sagebrush Checkerspot butterfly has intricate checkered markings of orange, black and brown with a little white on the wing edges. The underwings contain more white with large white checkerspots on the hindwings. Not surprising, Sagebrush is among its favorite habitats, along with Rabbitbrush and Aster.

We have observed them while hiking and mountain biking in Big Dalton Canyon in the spring. For a list of sightings of this bug, you can view our Sightings and Observations Log and search on "Sagebrush Checkerspot".

The Sagebrush Checkerspot has a wingspan of approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches. Those we have observed in Big Dalton Canyon vary in size considerably. Many are very small while others tend to be much larger.

SubFamily: Checkerspot.

Field Notes

Our best viewings of them have been on sunny spring days, along the Big Dalton Canyon Trail, in the grassy area between the Mystic Canyon Trail and the Big Dalton Canyon campground.