Edith’s checkerspot, also known as
Euphydryas editha, is a species of butterfly in the
Nymphalidae family. It is a resident species of western North America and among the subspecies, entomologists have long been intrigued by their many phenotypic variations in coloration, wing length, and overall body size. Most populations are monophagous and rely on plants including
Plantago erecto and
Orthocarpus densiflorus as its host species in developing from eggs through to larvae, pupae, and mature butterflies. Males exhibit
polygyny whereas females rarely mate more than once. Males devote most of their attention to mate acquisition, and such mate locating strategies such as
hilltopping behavior has developed. Climate change and habitat destruction has impacted certain subspecies. Two subspecies in particular,
Euphydryas editha quino and
Euphydryas editha bayensis, are currently under protection via the
Endangered Species Act.