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GET TO KNOW TAYLOR'S CHECKERSPOT BUTTERFLY
Euphydryas editha taylori
TYPE
Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly is an insect.
GET TO KNOW TAYLOR'S CHECKERSPOT BUTTERFLY
Euphydryas editha taylori
TYPE
Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly is an insect.
HOW TO SUPPORT
COLLECT STICKERS
Every campaign features a sticker that donates 100% of profits to conservation.
HOW TO SUPPORT
COLLECT STICKERS
Every campaign features a sticker that donates 100% of profits to conservation.
ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S RAREST BUTTERFLIES!
Where Do Taylor's Checkerspot Butterflies (TCSB) Live?
Once widespread across the Pacific Northwest, Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies now survive in just a few isolated prairie habitats. These critically endangered pollinators rely on open grasslands with abundant wildflowers, primarily in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.
Prairie Habitat & Its Importance
Taylor’s checkerspots depend on native prairies, which provide essential host plants for caterpillars and nectar sources for adults. These prairies are rich in biodiversity but have been drastically reduced due to urban development, agriculture, and invasive species.
Current Locations
-
Washington: Small populations remain in protected prairies within Joint Base Lewis-McChord and surrounding conservation sites.
-
Oregon: Found in a few restored grasslands in the Willamette Valley.
-
British Columbia: Once nearly extinct in Canada, conservation efforts have reintroduced Taylor’s checkerspots to Vancouver Island.
Over 90% of native prairie ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest have been lost due to land development, farming, and fire suppression, which allows trees and invasive plants to take over. Without open, sunny grasslands, Taylor’s checkerspots struggle to find food and places to lay their eggs.
By protecting and restoring these fragile ecosystems, conservationists are working to give Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies a fighting chance to survive.
Main Threats:
-
Habitat loss due to urban development, agriculture, and invasive species.
-
Prairie degradation from fire suppression and encroaching forests.
-
Climate change, affecting host plant availability and weather patterns.
-
Pesticide use, which harms caterpillars and pollinators.
-
Small population size, making the species vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks and local extinctions.
Why Are Their Habitats Disappearing?
Photograph of the two-track, dirt road and adjacent stabilized dune habitat at Sequim (April 2010) during the Taylor’s checkerspot flight season.
Photo Credit: Paul M. Severns* and Dan Grosboll
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Fun Fact!
Fun Fact!
Some Are Released by Helicopter!
In Canada, conservationists have released captive-reared Taylor’s checkerspots onto restored prairies using helicopters. This unique method helps them safely reach new habitats without being harmed during transport.
Adding facts like these can make the section more engaging and highlight the butterfly’s fascinating relationship with its environment!
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Images featured in this post are sourced from the following references:
-
Cascadia Prairie Oak – Patterns of Reproduction in Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly, Link to document
-
Applied Ecologist – Metamorphosis in Prisons: Captive Rearing of Endangered Species, Link to article
-
Rewilding Magazine – How to Save a Butterfly, Link to article
If any of these images are copyrighted, please contact info@earthplaystudios.com for permission.
Abundant C. hispida growing in Range 50 AIA prairie. Photo Credit: Paul M. Severns* and Dan Grosboll
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Stabilized dune habitat at Sequim characterized by sparse vegetation, a relatively high cover of terricolous lichens and mosses, occasionally abundant Collinsia parviflora (small reddish plant), and occasional P. lanceolata (May 2010)
Photo Credit: Paul M. Severns* and Dan Grosboll
ONE OF NORTH AMERICA'S RAREST BUTTERFLIES!
Where Do Taylor's Checkerspot Butterflies (TCSB) Live?
Once widespread across the Pacific Northwest, Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies now survive in just a few isolated prairie habitats. These critically endangered pollinators rely on open grasslands with abundant wildflowers, primarily in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia.
Prairie Habitat & Its Importance
Taylor’s checkerspots depend on native prairies, which provide essential host plants for caterpillars and nectar sources for adults. These prairies are rich in biodiversity but have been drastically reduced due to urban development, agriculture, and invasive species.
Current Locations
-
Washington: Small populations remain in protected prairies within Joint Base Lewis-McChord and surrounding conservation sites.
-
Oregon: Found in a few restored grasslands in the Willamette Valley.
-
British Columbia: Once nearly extinct in Canada, conservation efforts have reintroduced Taylor’s checkerspots to Vancouver Island.
Abundant C. hispida growing in Range 50 AIA prairie. Photo Credit: Paul M. Severns* and Dan Grosboll
Stabilized dune habitat at Sequim characterized by sparse vegetation, a relatively high cover of terricolous lichens and mosses, occasionally abundant Collinsia parviflora (small reddish plant), and occasional P. lanceolata (May 2010)
Photo Credit: Paul M. Severns* and Dan Grosboll
Over 90% of native prairie ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest have been lost due to land development, farming, and fire suppression, which allows trees and invasive plants to take over. Without open, sunny grasslands, Taylor’s checkerspots struggle to find food and places to lay their eggs.
By protecting and restoring these fragile ecosystems, conservationists are working to give Taylor’s checkerspot butterflies a fighting chance to survive.
Why Are Their Habitats Disappearing?
Photograph of the two-track, dirt road and adjacent stabilized dune habitat at Sequim (April 2010) during the Taylor’s checkerspot flight season.
Photo Credit: Paul M. Severns* and Dan Grosboll
Main Threats:
-
Habitat loss due to urban development, agriculture, and invasive species.
-
Prairie degradation from fire suppression and encroaching forests.
-
Climate change, affecting host plant availability and weather patterns.
-
Pesticide use, which harms caterpillars and pollinators.
-
Small population size, making the species vulnerable to genetic bottlenecks and local extinctions.
Fun Fact!
Some Are Released by Helicopter!
In Canada, conservationists have released captive-reared Taylor’s checkerspots onto restored prairies using helicopters. This unique method helps them safely reach new habitats without being harmed during transport.
Adding facts like these can make the section more engaging and highlight the butterfly’s fascinating relationship with its environment!
Images featured in this post are sourced from the following references:
-
Cascadia Prairie Oak – Patterns of Reproduction in Taylor’s Checkerspot Butterfly, Link to document
-
Applied Ecologist – Metamorphosis in Prisons: Captive Rearing of Endangered Species, Link to article
-
Rewilding Magazine – How to Save a Butterfly, Link to article
If any of these images are copyrighted, please contact info@earthplaystudios.com for permission.
Research & Conservation Projects
Check out some of the incredible Conservation projects out there being done to help save the Taylor's Checkerspot Butterfly!
CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT
The Oregon Zoo plays a crucial role in the conservation of the critically endangered Taylor's checkerspot butterfly through its Butterfly Conservation Lab. Working alongside partners like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the zoo raises Taylor’s checkerspot caterpillars in a controlled environment to increase their survival rates. Once they reach a healthy stage, the butterflies are released into restored prairie habitats in Washington and Oregon, helping to rebuild wild populations. These efforts, combined with habitat restoration and ongoing research, are essential to giving this rare pollinator a fighting chance.
CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHT
The Oregon Zoo plays a crucial role in the conservation of the critically endangered Taylor's checkerspot butterfly through its Butterfly Conservation Lab. Working alongside partners like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the zoo raises Taylor’s checkerspot caterpillars in a controlled environment to increase their survival rates. Once they reach a healthy stage, the butterflies are released into restored prairie habitats in Washington and Oregon, helping to rebuild wild populations. These efforts, combined with habitat restoration and ongoing research, are essential to giving this rare pollinator a fighting chance.
Introducing an exclusive, one-of-a-kind accessory design series inspired by the critically endangered Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly, featuring ethically sourced wings from another critically endangered species—the Monarch butterfly.
With only one of each design available, this collection is as unique as the butterflies it honors. Plus, with each purchase, you’ll receive a special gift: Pollinator Power Pack Seed Art cards, featuring empowering phrases, created in collaboration with Rederick.Art.
As part of our commitment to butterfly and pollinator conservation, $1 from every item purchased from our shop in April 2025 will be donated to the Oregon Zoo. It's a beautiful way to support conservation efforts while wearing your love for North American butterflies!
About Rederick.Art
Unleash the Beauty of Wildflowers!
At Rederick.Art, you can discover plantable seed paper products that bring joy and beauty to any occasion. Whether you're looking for custom seed mixes for an event or need a wildflower planting guide, we have everything you need to enhance your space, attract pollinators, and celebrate with sustainable gifts. Inspired by the adventures of 'Aquadog' and the late Penelope the Pitbull, our creations help you spread color and positive impact, one seed at a time. Let's work together to make the world a greener, more beautiful place!
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FEATURED CAMPAIGN DESIGNS
Introducing an exclusive, one-of-a-kind accessory design series inspired by the critically endangered Taylor's Checkerspot butterfly, featuring ethically sourced wings from another critically endangered species—the Monarch butterfly.
With only one of each design available, this collection is as unique as the butterflies it honors. Plus, with each purchase, you’ll receive a special gift: Pollinator Power Pack Seed Art cards, featuring empowering phrases, created in collaboration with Rederick.Art.
As part of our commitment to butterfly and pollinator conservation, $1 from every item purchased from our shop in April 2025 will be donated to the Oregon Zoo. It's a beautiful way to support conservation efforts while wearing your love for North American butterflies!
About Rederick.Art
Unleash the Beauty of Wildflowers!
At Rederick.Art, you can discover plantable seed paper products that bring joy and beauty to any occasion. Whether you're looking for custom seed mixes for an event or need a wildflower planting guide, we have everything you need to enhance your space, attract pollinators, and celebrate with sustainable gifts. Inspired by the adventures of 'Aquadog' and the late Penelope the Pitbull, our creations help you spread color and positive impact, one seed at a time. Let's work together to make the world a greener, more beautiful place!
FEATURED DESIGNS
ART CHALLENGE SUBMISSIONS
ART CHALLENGE SUBMISSIONS
SAVE B4 EXTINCT PROGRAM + TAYLOR'S CHECKERSPOT BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION
Collectible Conservation Sticker
Support animal conservation year-round with our exclusive collectible Conservation Stickers! Designed through our Save B4 Extinct program in collaboration with talented artists worldwide, each sticker features a donated illustration created to raise awareness for these endangered animals.
This sticker donates 100% of its profits directly to the Oregon Zoo to support conservation efforts for the critically endangered Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. Your purchase helps fund habitat restoration, captive rearing programs, and research dedicated to protecting this rare pollinator. It’s our way of extending support beyond our monthly campaign, ensuring these butterflies have a chance to thrive.
Collect, share, and make a difference!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Text
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Join the movement and turn passion into protection!
Join the movement and turn creative passion into protection!
SAVE B4 EXTINCT PROGRAM + TAYLOR'S CHECKERSPOT BUTTERFLY
Collectible Conservation Sticker
Support animal conservation year-round with our exclusive collectible Conservation Stickers! Designed through our Save B4 Extinct program in collaboration with talented artists worldwide, each sticker features a donated illustration created to raise awareness for these endangered animals.
This sticker donates 100% of its profits directly to the Oregon Zoo to support conservation efforts for the critically endangered Taylor's checkerspot butterfly. Your purchase helps fund habitat restoration, captive rearing programs, and research dedicated to protecting this rare pollinator. It’s our way of extending support beyond our monthly campaign, ensuring these butterflies have a chance to thrive.
Collect, share, and make a difference!
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Text