A small federally endangered butterfly of southern California. Once one of the most abundant butterflies of the Los Angeles basin; now restricted to a handful of populations.

Native status: Native; federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeWingspan 3.2–4.5 cm
Weight~0.2 g
LifespanAdults 1–2 weeks; single annual generation
OrderLepidoptera
FamilyNymphalidae

§ Encyclopedia

The Quino checkerspot is a butterfly native to southern California and northwestern Baja California. It is a subspecies of the common Edith's checkerspot and the second such subspecies to be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Source: Wikipedia — Quino checkerspot Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small to medium butterfly with checkerboard pattern of orange-red, black, and cream squares on wings; antenna tips orange.

Similar species. Other checkerspot species in the area (similar patterns; expert ID). Variable Checkerspot (different range edge).

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Caterpillars: dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta) and Indian paintbrush species. Adults: nectar.

Behavior. Federally endangered (listed 1997). Range has contracted to <5% of historical distribution; remaining populations in coastal sage scrub and chaparral of southern California and northern Baja. Diapauses 1+ years as a caterpillar if conditions are unfavorable. Subject of major conservation effort including captive rearing and reintroduction. Habitat loss to urban development and invasive plants (especially black mustard) are the primary threats.

§ Range

Southern California and Baja California

§ Habitat

Open coastal scrub and grasslands

§ Threats

Habitat loss to suburban development, drought, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the quino checkerspot is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support southern California habitat protection. Donate to The Nature Conservancy California.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Quino Checkerspot Recovery
  • San Diego Natural History Museum
  • The Nature Conservancy