Fauna of the Month - July 2010 - Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly

This month our focus will be on a rare butterfly, the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis). Often mistaken for the Monarch, the Silvery Checkerspot sports pale yellow-orange color and dark borders as its markings. The distinctive difference between the two, however, is the Silvery Checkerspot’s white sub marginal centered spots and crescents on its hind-wings. Recently the butterfly has been seen gracing Juniata County and specifically on a Central Pennsylvania Conservancy property, Greg’s Woods.

The Silvery Checkerspot is incredibly rare in Pennsylvania with less than 100 known occurrences of the species in the state.

“The caterpillars of Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) feed preferentially on wing-stem (Verbesina alternifolia) which is common in rich floodplain or other mesic environments” such as at Gregg’s Woods. Additionally black-eyed susans (Rudbeckia) and sunflowers (Helianthus) provide a host for the caterpillar. The adult butterflies feed on nectar from red clover, dogbane, and milkweed. Male Silvery Checkerspots spend their days perched or patrolling the open areas where as females then to be occupied with laying eggs, usually in batches of about 100 on the underside of host plant leaves.

The Silvery Checkerspot provides additional beauty to Pennsylvania, and the Conservancy is proud to help conserve its presence here.

As with any rare species it is important not to disturb them or their natural habitat.  The Conservancy asks that you please only observe the butterflies and do not touch them or their eggs.

Greg’s Woods is located in Milford Township, Juniata County.  We invite you to stop by for a visit of this 33 acre preserved property in hopes of spotting the Silvery Checkerspot!  While searching for this magnificent species, do take the easy loop trail on the property that winds past the vernal pools and beautiful wildflowers.   

Butterflies and Moths of North America, “Silvery Checkerspot.” Web 1 July 2010.