 |
 
 |
|
|
|
Gabb's Checkerspot (Chlosyne gabbii [Behr])
Wing span: 1 1/4 - 1 3/4 inches (3.2 - 4.5 cm).
Identification: Upperside is checkered with bright orange-brown and black; median band is slightly lighter. Light bands ae slightly narrower than those of Chlosyne acastus. Female is lighter than the male. Underside of hindwing has pearly white spots.
Life history: Eggs are laid on underside of host plant leaves. Caterpillars eat leaves and are gregarious when young. Hibernation is by third-stage caterpillars.
Flight: One flight from May-July.
Caterpillar hosts: Hazardia (Haplopappus squarrosus) and beach aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia) in the sunflower family (Asteraceae).
Adult food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Foothills, canyons, coastal cliffs and gulches.
Range: California Coast Ranges: Tulare County south to Sierra Nevada foothills, Monterey County south to Baja California.
Conservation: Not usually required.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G3 - Very rare or local throughout its range or found locally in a restricted range (21 to 100 occurrences). (Threatened throughout its range).
Management needs: None reported.
References:
Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press,
Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Tilden, J. W. 1986. A field guide to western butterflies. Houghton-Mifflin Co.,
Boston, Mass. 370 pages, 23 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Opler, Paul A. 1999. Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, revised
edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass.
Stanford, R.E. and P.A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western USA Butterflies.
Privately published, Denver, Colo.
|
 1999 -
All Rights Reserved
| |