Size: Up to 2.25 inch wingspan

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Key ID features:  Above black with alternating red and white spot bands separated by black lines.  HW below has red and white bands, which, from the margin run red-white-red-red-white. 

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Similar species: Snowberry checkerspot has red-white-red-white-white band pattern on HW below.

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Host plant: Several species in the figwort family, including paintbushes (Castilleja), penstemons, and monkeyflowers.

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Habitat: Commonly in subalpine and alpine meadows, sage-steppe. Frequently found on the highest point of the area. Also in arid river canyons in spring.

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Range: Cascade Range, Siskiyous, central Coast Range, parts of the Blue Mtns, Wallowa Mtns, and SE Oregon.

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Season: Late May to late July

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Abundance: Common 

 

Conservation Status: Secure, except ssp. taylori, which is listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act.