Arachne Checkerspot
Poladryas arachne (W. H. Edwards, 1869)
Family: Nymphalidae
Status: Rare local resident
NENHP Ranking: S1, Tier 2
Range: This species is found from eastern Wyoming south into Mexico, and west into southeastern California. In Nebraska it has been found in Dawes and Sioux counties.
Larval Hostplant(s): Various penstemons.
Broods/Flight Times: This species should be double brooded in Nebraska where it should be sought in early and late summer.
Overwintering: As half-grown larvae.
Habitat: – The Arachne Checkerspot resides in colonies atop or near ridge tops in Pine Ridge habitats.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 inches
Found at: Sowbelly Canyon
Similar Species: Acastus Checkerspot
Notes: This butterfly has been found only a handful of times in the past 120 years, most recently in the mid-1980s.
Arachne Checkerspot, Catron Co. NM, Steve Cary
