About Chlosyne harrisii (Scudder, 1862)
Chlosyne harrisii, first described by Scudder in 1862, has adult individuals that are often confused with Chlosyne nycteis, the silvery checkerspot, which is another member of the same genus. The adult wingspan of this species measures 3.6 to 5.1 cm. The upperside of its wings is orange with black markings. The underside of the wings features one single red-orange stripe, and the remaining area of the hindwing has a pattern marked with reddish-orange, white, and black. In terms of its life cycle, this species has only one flight period each year, which takes place between June and July. Caterpillars of Chlosyne harrisii feed on flat-topped white aster (Aster umbellatus), while adult individuals feed on flower nectar. Female Chlosyne harrisii lay eggs in clusters on the underside of leaves of their host plants. Caterpillars overwinter in their third instar stage.
