Hodges#4520
Euphydryas editha
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Nymphalinae
- Tribe: Melitaeini
- Genus: Euphydryas
- Species: editha
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Euphydryas editha: /juːˈfaɪdrɪəs ˈɛdɪθə/
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Images
Summary
Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) is a butterfly species in the Nymphalidae family, prevalent in western North America, exhibiting several subspecies, many of which are under conservation protection due to habitat loss and climate change impacts.
Physical Characteristics
Wings black with red and pale yellow or white bands, a submarginal band with yellow or white spots, and a wide postmedian red band. Undersides have alternating yellow orange and cream bands. Wingspan: 3.2 to 5.1 cm (1.3 to 2.0 in). Coastal populations are black with red and cream spots; mountain populations are red or mottled with red, black, and cream spots; higher-altitude populations are smaller and darker. Larvae are black with white or orange spots or striped with white; pupae are white or gray with black blotches and streaks.
Identification Tips
Easily identified by wing coloration and patterns; males and females may show slight differences in coloration based on habitat.
Habitat
Mountains, typically on ridgetops, including coastal chaparral, open woodland, alpine tundra, grasslands, and rocky outcrops in nutrient-poor serpentine soils.
Distribution
North America: from southern British Columbia and Alberta to Baja California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. Found in the San Bernardino Mountains, Sierra Nevada, higher Cascade Mountains of Oregon to Washington, and in regions of the Great Basin.
Diet
Larvae feed on leaves and flowers of host plants such as Plantago erecta and Orthocarpus densiflorus; adult butterflies feed on flower nectar.
Life Cycle
Oviposition occurs shortly after the female’s emergence, with eggs developing into pre-diapause larvae that enter diapause until host plants are available again. The life cycle consists of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults.
Reproduction
Females typically mate once or occasionally twice. Males exhibit polygyny and develop mate locating strategies such as hilltopping behavior.
Predators
Caterpillars are preyed upon by species of parasitoid wasps and tachnid flies. Defense mechanisms include twitching behavior and diets that make them somewhat poisonous to vertebrates.
Conservation Status
Three subspecies, including Euphydryas editha taylori, are endangered. Climate change and habitat destruction have significantly impacted populations, especially in southern regions. Subspecies quino and bayensis are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Ecosystem Role
As herbivores, they interact with their host plants and are part of the food web, acting as prey for various predators.
Economic Impact
Egg-laying on host plants may result in the death of important economically valuable species. Adult butterflies may contribute to pollination.
Evolution
Subspecies show considerable phenotypic variation influenced by geographic distribution. Protandry observed with males emerging earlier than females, which may play a role in reproductive success.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Misperceptions regarding their poisonous nature may deter some from understanding their ecological role and importance.
Tags
- butterflies
- Euphydryas editha
- conservation
- pollinators