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.
Best time to see a Gillette's Checkerspot
The best time to see a Gillette's Checkerspot is July, when about 72% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 225 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Gillette's Checkerspot? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Gillette's Checkerspot sightings near you
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