'Henne's' Variable Checkerspot. Hellhole Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, January 30, 2006. This sighting was an early record for California.

Euphydryas chalcedona hennei on Cactus Springs Trail, Santa Rosa Wilderness, March 31, 2011.

Euphydryas chalcedona hennei, also on Cactus Springs Trail, March 23, 2010. These can be extremely common along this trail in the spring.

A ventral of 'Henne's' Variable Checkerspot on Cactus Springs Trail, Santa Rosa Wilderness, May 14, 2006. Chris Henne was one of our great southern California lepidopterists; several butterflies have been named after him.

Larval nest with lots of Henne's Variable Checkerspot caterpillars on Desert Bushpenstemon. Cactus Spring Trail, Santa Rosa Wilderness, May 30, 2010.

A closer view of larvae, these a little further along. This checkerspot can be abundant on this trail in the spring, and I had often wondered what the host plant or plants were at this location; on this hike I found out, as larval nests were easily found.

Last instar larva of Euphydryas chalcedona hennei, same trail as above, April 15, 2011.