Edith's Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) is in the Brush-footed Butterflies family (Nymphalidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,072 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
Conservation status (iNaturalist): G4.
When to photograph Edith's Checkerspot: observations by month (U.S.)
About Edith's Checkerspot
Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) is a species of butterfly in the Nymphalidae family. It is a resident species of western North America and among the subspecies, entomologists have long been intrigued by their many phenotypic variations in coloration, wing length, and overall body size. Most populations are monophagous and rely on plants including Plantago erecta and Orthocarpus densiflorus as its host species in developing from eggs through to larvae, pupae, and mature butterflies. Males exhibit polygyny...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Edith's Checkerspot by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,221 | May | Apr–Jul |
| Washington | 970 | July | Jun–Aug |
| Oregon | 599 | July | Jun–Jul |
| Wyoming | 84 | July | Jun–Jul |
| Montana | 53 | July | May–Jul |
| Nevada | 51 | June | Apr–Jul |
| Colorado | 44 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Idaho | 41 | July | May–Jul |
| Utah | 9 | June | May–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related butterflies (Brush-footed Butterflies)
Monarch
Gulf Fritillary
Common Buckeye
Red Admiral
Pearl Crescent
Painted Lady
American Lady
Variegated Fritillary
Photography tips
- Butterflies are sluggish on cool mornings — the best time for close approaches.
- Keep the sensor parallel to the wings for edge-to-edge sharpness.
- Nectar plants in bloom are reliable places to wait.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Edith's Checkerspot?
Nationally, July has the most observations, with the main season from May to July.
Where is Edith's Checkerspot most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Washington, Oregon.