Hoffmann's checkerspot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hoffmann's checkerspot |
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C. hoffmanni
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| Chlosyne hoffmanni (Behr, 1863)
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The Hoffmann's checkerspot (Chlosyne hoffmanni) is a beautiful butterfly. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family, also known as brush-footed butterflies. You can find this butterfly in western North America. Its home ranges from the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains in the U.S. to Manning Park in British Columbia, Canada.
What Does the Hoffmann's Checkerspot Look Like?
Adult Hoffmann's checkerspot butterflies have a wingspan of about 30 to 36 millimeters (1.2 to 1.4 inches). This is roughly the length of a small paperclip.
It can sometimes be tricky to tell them apart from other butterflies. They look very similar to the northern checkerspot (C. palla) and the sagebrush checkerspot (C. acastus).
Life Cycle of the Hoffmann's Checkerspot
The Hoffmann's checkerspot butterfly usually has one main flight period each year. In Canada, this flight happens between June and early July. During this time, the adult butterflies are active and can be seen flying.
The caterpillars of this species have a special diet. They love to eat plants from the Aster family. These plants are important food sources for the young caterpillars as they grow.
Types of Hoffmann's Checkerspot Butterflies
Scientists have identified a few different types, or subspecies, of the Hoffmann's checkerspot. These are slight variations within the same species.
- C. h. manchada Bauer, [1960]
- C. h. segregata Barnes & McDunnough, 1918
