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Field Guide

CONTACT:
Michael Wall, Ph.D.
619.255.0266
fax: 619.232.0248
mwall@sdnhm.org

How can you learn to identify butterflies, especially to distinguish among several kinds that look very much alike?

Specialists visit our collection to study in detail our many samples of butterflies. For example, environmental consultants like to study our Quino Checkerspot specimens and compare them with similar species. This can help them pass a test administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that verifies their ability to identify this endangered species.

Compare the tray of Gabb's Checkerspot (Chlosyne gabbii) on the left with the similar species of Quino Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha quino) on the right. These kinds are sometimes difficult to tell apart when seen in their natural habitat.     Look at the variation among these specimens of Quino Checkerspots. The photo on the left shows the topside and underside of a Quino Checkerspot. Specialists need to study a series of specimens of the same kind of butterfly to learn the variation in patterns and color that occur naturally.

Data labels attached to each specimen tell specialists where and when the individual butterfly was collected. This is critical for understanding variation within a species. How well do you know your butterflies? Take a test!