Edith's Checkerspot is a small, vividly checkered butterfly of the western United States with a mosaic of red, orange, yellow, and black patches. It is one of the most studied butterflies in ecology and evolutionary biology, famous for research on population dynamics and range shifts in response to climate change. Different subspecies specialize on different host plants across its range.
Best time to see a Edith's Checkerspot
The best time to see a Edith's Checkerspot is May–July, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 3,587 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Edith's Checkerspot? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Edith's Checkerspot sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Edith's Checkerspot? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Edith's Checkerspot is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.