Acastus Checkerspot
Chlosyne acastus (W. H. Edwards, 1874) (1870)
Family: Nymphalidae
Status: Rare resident
NENHP Ranking: S1 Tier 2
Range: This species has been found from southern portions of Alberta and Saskatchewan south through the western Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming and the western halves of Colorado and New Mexico and west through Utah, Arizona and Nevada to southeastern California. In Nebraska it has been found in Sioux County.
Larval Hostplant(s): Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus) and asters.
Broods/Flight Times: Marrone (2002) reports it to be double brooded in South Dakota. In Nebraska dates range from May 25 to July 25, indicating that is likely the case here as well.
Overwintering: As a caterpillar.
Habitat: This species typically inhabits dry habitats including gulches, hilly short grass prairies and sagebrush areas.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/2 – 2 inches
Found at: Pine Ridge area.
Similar Species: Arachne Checkerspot
Notes: This butterfly has only been found on several occasions, most recently by Jim Reiser in 1985, and then never by more than an individual or two.
Acastus Checkerspot, Matthew Brust
