Variable Checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona) is in the Brush-footed Butterflies family (Nymphalidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 18,017 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Variable Checkerspot: observations by month (U.S.)
About Variable Checkerspot
The variable checkerspot or Chalcedon checkerspot (Euphydryas chalcedona) is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in western North America, where its range stretches from Alaska in the north to Baja California in the south and extends east through the Rocky Mountains into Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming. The butterfly is usually brown or black with extensive white and yellow checkering and some red coloration on the dorsal wing. Adult wingspan is 3.2–5.7 cm...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Variable Checkerspot by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 17,765 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Oregon | 116 | June | May–Jun |
| Arizona | 82 | April | Mar–Apr |
| Nevada | 53 | May | 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 Variable Checkerspot?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Variable Checkerspot most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon, Arizona.