Bordered Patch

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The Bordered Patch (Chlosyne lacinia) is the most widespread of the five patch species, with a range extending throughout much of the Southwest, MIdwest and South Texas.

It's a medium sized butterfly that can vary in wing patterns. The most common forms have black wings and a orange to yellow band running along both the top hindwing and forewing. White spots are visible along the wing borders.

The second picture shows a side view of the most common form having two orange to yellow bands on the forewings and hindwings.

The third picture shows a side view of a Bordered Patch variant with a very dark hindwing surrounded by one orange to yellow band.

Caterpillars feed on plants in the sunflower family and adults nectar from a variety of flowers. Their adaptability to a variety of food and nectar sources partially explains their wide range.

Many Checkerspot butterflies also belong to the Chlosyne genus, however the wing pattern is completely different.

© 2008. Patricia A. Michaels