checkerspot

American  

[chek-er-spot] / ˈtʃɛk ərˌspɒt /

noun

1. any of several butterflies of the genus Melitaea, having black wings with yellowish-brown, checkerlike markings.

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Etymology

Origin of checkerspot

checker ¹ + spot

Example Sentences

For example, the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly—a species that is susceptible to insecticides used to control moth pests—is shown as being present across 2 million hectares of Oregon and Washington state, including prime agricultural land.

From Science Magazine • Oct. 31, 2023

Several species native to the ecosystem, like Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly and the streaked horned lark, are threatened with extinction.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2023

In the Pacific Northwest, the Bigfeet start feeding on harsh paintbrush, one of the host plants for the endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, decimating the butterfly population.

From Slate • Jan. 28, 2023

Some plant and animal species—such as the Edith’s checkerspot butterfly and the Scots pine—are shifting to higher, cooler elevations in the mountains as well.

From Scientific American • Jul. 5, 2022

Other species, such as the common cabbage white butterfly and the imperiled, multicolored Edith’s checkerspot, are on downward trends, too, according to the analysis from Forister and his team.

From Washington Post • Mar. 4, 2021