General: Variable Checkerspot Butterflies (Euphydryas chalcedona) are unusually variable for butterflies. The coloration generally is black overall with red marks mostly on the edges of the wings and white marks throughout the wings. The leading edge of the wings is red. The antennae are red with a yellow tip.

Taxonomy: Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae); Subfamily: True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae).