Most Northern Checkerspots have rows of orange yellow on a network of black grid-like veins. The wings are highly patterned and bright. The butterfly may be darker or paler depending on the region it is in, and females can be just as orange or almost completely black. The bodies of most butterflies are black with orange rings by the tip of the abdomen, though females may lack the rings. The variability between regions and individuals makes it difficult to quickly identify, but knowing its western range helps. It is a common butterfly in the northwestern provinces and states, and can be found on hiking trails, in meadows, and in ravines, where males wait for females.
Caterpillars are black and spiky. They feed on asters, rabbitbrush, and possibly goldenrod. This colorful butterfly is active from April through July.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Northern Checkerspot may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Northern Checkerspot. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Colors: orange; yellow; black; white; brown 
