Gillette's Checkerspot is a rare, localized mountain checkerspot restricted to a few high-elevation meadows in Wyoming, Montana, and Alberta. Its vivid orange-and-black patterning with white spots is stunning but the butterfly is virtually impossible to find outside its few known locations. The caterpillar feeds on twinberry honeysuckle and is cold-hardy, able to survive as a partially grown larva over winter in harsh subalpine conditions.
Habitat
High-elevation mountain meadows with twinberry honeysuckle
Diet
Larvae: twinberry honeysuckle. Adults: nectar from mountain wildflowers
How common
Rare
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