Monday Mystery - May 29, 2023

Photo:  Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis). Photo: Judy Gallagher

We are pleased to announce the winner of last week’s Monday Nature Mystery, Linda Nordstrom.

Congratulations to Linda for identifying the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis).

Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis). Photo: Judy Gallagher

According to ButterfliesandMoths.org, this butterfly prefers moist, somewhat open places including streamsides, meadows, forest openings. Sometimes confused with a Pearl Crescent, this species can be distinguished by taking a closer look at the row of black spots on their lower wings. In Pearl Crescents, these dots are solid black; in Silvery Checkerspots they have pale centers. To bring this butterfly to your yard, grow their host plants such as black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia), sunflowers (Helianthus), and wingstems (Actinomeris alternifolia).

Each Monday we’ll post a new mystery and identify the previous week’s winner. They’ll receive an ASNV hat or tote bag. 

Here is this week’s mystery:
Who is this?

Be sure to post your guess on our Facebook page under the latest Monday Nature Mystery post. Good Luck!

Please check our guidelines here.

Monday Nature Mystery: Who is this? Photo: Bill Young