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The Harris' Checkerboard’s upperside has an brownish-orange and black pattern. The male is darker than the female, which appears more orange. The underside of the hindwings has a distinctive checkered appearance, with orange bands alternating with white spot bands. It has a wingspan of 3.0 - 4.4 cm.
In the Algonquin Highlands, you will see these pretty butterflies in wet meadows where White Aster, their favourite nectar source is common. They are also found at edges of bogs, marshes, and forests. They are in flight from June to July. They are weak fliers and alight regularly on low shrubs and flowers.
Several hundred eggs laid in cluster on Aster, which serves as food for the larvae. The caterpillar is orange with black lines, a black dorsal stripe and several rows of small black spines. Young caterpillars feed together in a silk nest. Partially-grown caterpillars will hibernate at the base of the host plant.
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HARRIS' CHECKERSPOT
Chlosyne harrisii
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