Species Page: Arachne Checkerspot (Poladryas arachne)

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.

%d bloggers like this: