The Bordered Patch is a boldly patterned, medium-sized checkerspot butterfly of the Southwest with variable black-and-orange or black-and-yellow patches that differ considerably between individuals. Larvae are gregarious and form conspicuous communal webs on sunflower and related plants. Adults are avid flower visitors and multiple-brooded in warm climates.
Best time to see a Bordered Patch
The best time to see a Bordered Patch is July–October, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 18,857 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Bordered Patch? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Bordered Patch sightings near you
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Spotted a Bordered Patch?
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