Submit photo to: Conservation.Strategy@ODFW.state.gov
Taylor’s checkerspot is most notable for the orange, black, and white checkered pattering on its wings. They usually have a wingspan of less than 2.25 inches (5.6 cm). They have stubbier wings and distinctively thicker black lines separating the spots on their wings than other E. editha subspecies.
Overview
Species Common Name Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly
Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly habitat occurs in elevations from near sea-level to over 3,200 ft (975 m) in a variety of vegetation types. All habitats consistently contain an open structure that includes bare ground with herbaceous vegetation dominated by short-statured grasses and abundant forbs to serve as larval host plants and nectar sources. Microsite heterogeneity, driven by variation in slope, aspect, vegetation structure, temperatures, soils, and availability of host plant species, provides essential habitat components. The two population complexes in the Willamette Valley are on grassland hills within a forested matrix. In Oregon, larvae have been observed feeding on narrow-leaf plantain and sea blush with adults mostly ovipositing on narrow-leaf plantain with limited golden paintbrush oviposition documented. The main nectar species at the Beazell Memorial Forest site are identified as wild strawberry, fine leaved desert parsley, and western buttercup.
Limiting factors
The primary threats to Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies are habitat loss, habitat conversion, and habitat alteration due to invasive plants, succession, and fire suppression. The subspecies restricted and disjunct range and small population sizes are also threats. Additionally, forest surrounding occupied meadows are a substantial barrier to movement and reduce connectivity. In the long-term, climate change is likely to indirectly affect Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly by altering biotic and abiotic conditions, leading to declines in suitable habitat and altering food plant phenology.
Data gaps
Obtain long-term population and trend data. Assess threats to the subspecies and habitat. Research subspecies ecology, factors limiting populations, and the response to management actions. Describe population genetics and research metapopulation dynamics.
Conservation actions
Protect remaining populations in Oregon. Maintain and increase suitable and occupied habitat by maintaining grassland habitat, increasing nectar plant diversity, and controlling key invasive non-native plants and woody encroachment. Create movement corridors to connect meadow habitats and support population complexes. Pursue acquisitions, conservation easements, and management agreements across the species’ range.
Key reference or plan
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2024. Species Biological Report for Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha taylori). Version 1.0. Portland, Oregon. vii + 122 pp.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2024. Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha taylori) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation. Lacey, Washington. 10pp.
