Euphydryas anicia capella
(W. Barnes, 1897)
Euphydryas anicia capella is a of checkerspot in the Nymphalidae, originally described by W. Barnes in 1897. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Occidryas anicia capella in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic revision within the Euphydryas complex. The belongs to a group of fritillary butterflies known for their distinctive orange and black checkered wing patterns and association with specific plants.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Euphydryas anicia capella: //juːˈfaɪdrəs əˈnɪʃə kəˈpɛlə//
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Distribution
The occurs in western North America, with records documented through iNaturalist observations. The broader Euphydryas anicia (Anicia checkerspot) has a range extending across western United States and into southwestern Canada.
Similar Taxa
- Euphydryas anicia cloudcroftiBoth are of Euphydryas anicia; cloudcrofti is the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot, a distinct proposed for listing with protected food plots in the Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico.
- Euphydryas edithaEdith's checkerspot is a congeneric with similar checkered wing pattern, but differs in distribution and plant associations; both have been documented declining due to climate change factors.
- Euphydryas auriniaThe marsh fritillary is a European congeneric with similar ; used as a comparison in conservation studies.
More Details
Taxonomic Status
GBIF lists this as a synonym under Occidryas anicia capella, indicating a -level split from Euphydryas that has been adopted in some but not all taxonomic treatments. iNaturalist retains the name under Euphydryas, reflecting the lack of universal consensus on this reclassification.
Conservation Context
Related within the Euphydryas anicia complex have been subject to conservation concern. Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti (Sacramento Mountains checkerspot) has been proposed for listing with protected food plot locations in New Mexico. The broader Euphydryas has shown declines linked to climate change, with warming fall temperatures particularly implicated in reduced numbers across western North America.