Euphydryas editha quino
| Quino checkerspot | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Nymphalidae |
| Genus: | Euphydryas |
| Species: | E. editha |
| Subspecies: | E. e. quino |
| Trinomial name | |
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Euphydryas editha quino Behr et al., 1863 |
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| Synonyms | |
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see text |
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see text
The Quino checkerspot (Euphydryas editha quino) is a butterfly native to southern California and northwestern Mexico. It is a subspecies of the common Edith's checkerspot (Euphydryas editha) and the second such subspecies to be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. This species, like many others, has undergone several changes in nomenclature and classification. It was originally described as Melitaea quino in 1863 and then in 1929 it was reduced to a subspecies of Euphydryas chalcedona. In 1998 it was concluded through Hans Hermann Behr's 1863 description that it should be classified as E. editha, not E. chalcedona. The species was synonymous with E. editha wrighti, a junior synonym for E. e. quino, thus becoming scientifically accepted as E. editha quino.
A member of the brush-footed butterfly family, Nymphalidae, the Quino checkerspot is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of around 3 cm. The dorsal wing surface are a colorful checkerboard of brown, red and yellow spots. The Quino differs from other E. editha subspecies in that its spots tend to be a darker red.
It also differentiates itself through its size and larval and pupal phenotypes. The ventral side of the butterfly are dominated by a checkered red and cream pattern. Its abdomen has red stripes across the dorsal side. After a second molt, the Quino checkerspot is recognized by the dark black coloration and row of 8 to 9 orange tubercles on their back. Before the larvae first molt they are mostly yellowish. After first molt and before their second molt they are gray with black markings. The pupae are mottled black on a blue-gray background.
The Quino checkerspot is easily confused in the field by inexperienced butterfly searchers. It is generally confused with three other co-occurring butterfly species, the Chalcedon or variable checkerspot, (Euphydryas chalcedona), Gabb's checkerspot (Chlosyne gabbii) and Wright's checkerspot (Thessalia leonira wrighti).
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