Chlosyne acastus

(Edwards, 1874)

Sagebrush Checkerspot

Chlosyne acastus, the sagebrush checkerspot, is a in the Nymphalidae native to western North America. have a wingspan of 33–44 mm and display the characteristic orange and black checkered pattern typical of the . The has one period annually, with adults active from May through early September. Larvae feed on specific Asteraceae plants, with documented utilization of rabbit-brush, desert-aster, woolly sunflower, arrowleaf balsamroot, and common sunflower.

Chlosyne acastus by (c) Roger Rittmaster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roger Rittmaster. Used under a CC-BY license.Chlosyne acastus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.Chlosyne acastus by (c) Roger Rittmaster, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roger Rittmaster. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chlosyne acastus: //kloʊˈsaɪni əˈkæstəs//

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Identification

may be confused with the northern checkerspot (Chlosyne palla) and Hoffmann's checkerspot (Chlosyne hoffmanni). Accurate identification requires examination of wing pattern details and geographic location. The submarginal band pattern and forewing markings differ among these similar .

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Habitat

Sagebrush-dominated and associated open areas in western North America. Occurs in shrub-steppe, grassland, and open woodland environments where larval plants grow.

Distribution

Western United States east to Nebraska, north to southern Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada. Present throughout the intermountain west and Great Basin regions.

Seasonality

One period annually. active from May through early September, with peak activity varying by latitude and elevation. In Canada, flight occurs between May and early September.

Diet

Larvae feed on Asteraceae plants including rabbit-brush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), desert-aster (Machaeranthera ), woolly sunflower (Eriophyllum lanatum), arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), and common sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Larval survival and development rates vary significantly among host species, with Eriophyllum lanatum supporting highest survival. feeding habits not documented in available sources.

Host Associations

  • Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus - larval Rabbit-brush
  • Machaeranthera - larval Desert-aster
  • Eriophyllum lanatum - larval Woolly sunflower; supports highest larval survival and fastest development
  • Balsamorhiza sagittata - larval Arrowleaf balsamroot
  • Helianthus annuus - larval Common sunflower; poor larval performance documented

Life Cycle

Complete with one annually. laid on plants. Larval development time and survival vary by host plant . occurs in late summer or fall, with emerging the following spring. stage not explicitly documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

Herbivore in larval stage; contributes to pollination as . Serves as prey for various . Specialized relationship with native Asteraceae plants may influence plant dynamics in sagebrush .

Human Relevance

Subject of ecological research on plant relationships and larval development. Not documented as an agricultural pest or significant of crop plants.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Subspecies

Two recognized: C. a. neumoegeni (Skinner, 1895) and C. a. sabina (Wright, 1905). Subspecies C. a. sterope has been studied in south central Washington.

Conservation Status

Not assessed in major conservation frameworks; common throughout range with no documented declines.

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Sources and further reading