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We conducted a literature review and added some novel observations of the natural history of the bordered patch butterfly, Chlosyne lacinia (Nymphalidae). Regarding color and patterning, C. lacinia is considered one of the most variable butterflies in the Western Hemisphere, with phenotypic variation occurring in larvae, pupae, and adults. Several studies have been conducted on C. lacinia, partly due to its notable phenotypic variation and status as a pest species of domestic sunflowers (Helianthus annuus). Even so, the origins, development, and maintenance of phenotypic variation remain poorly known. Having the most extensive geographic range of any species in its genus, C. lacinia ranges from Argentina to the mid-latitude midwestern United States. Moreover, C. lacinia displays six distinct adult morphs across its geographic range. Morphologically continuous, relatively geographically narrow gradients between adjacent morphs have given rise to alternative interpretations about subspecies. By providing the first comprehensive maps of adult morphs, including data collected via citizen science in iNaturalist, we provide directions for further research into the species' biology. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica sobre la historia natural de la mariposa del parche bordeado, Chlosyne lacinia (Nymphalidae) que complementamos con observaciones nuevas. En cuanto al color y el patrón, C. lacinia se considera una de las mariposas más variables del hemisferio occidental, con variación fenotípica en larvas, pupas y adultos. Se han realizado numerosos estudios sobre C. lacinia, principalmente debido a su notable variación fenotípica y a su condición de especie plaga del girasol doméstico (Helianthus annuus). Aun así, el origen, desarrollo y mantenimiento de esta variación fenotípica siguen siendo poco estudiados. Teniendo la distribución geográfica más extensa de todas las especies de su género, C. lacinia se encuentra desde Argentina hasta latitudes medias del medio oeste de Estados Unidos. Además, C. lacinia presenta seis distintos morfos adultos a través de su distribución geográfica. Debido a que morfos geográficamente adyacentes presentan una morfología continua entre ellos, el reconocimiento de las subespecies es controversial. A través de mapas de distribución de cada morfo adulto con datos de iNaturalist, planteamos hipótesis y preguntas para futuras investigaciones sobre la biología de esta especie. 

Abstract As an abundant element in the Earth’s crust, sodium plays an unusual role in food webs. Its availability in terrestrial environments is highly variable, but it is nonessential for most plants, yet essential for animals and most decomposers. Accordingly, sodium requirements are important drivers of various animal behavioural patterns and performance levels. To specifically test whether sodium limitation increases cannibalism in a gregarious lepidopteran herbivore, we hydroponically manipulatedHelianthus annuushost plants' tissue-sodium concentrations. Gregarious larvae of the bordered patch butterfly,Chlosyne lacinia, cannibalized siblings when plant-tissue sodium concentrations were low in two separate experiments. Although cannibalism was almost non-existent when sodium concentrations were high, individual mortality rates were also high. Sodium concentration in host plants can have pronounced effects on herbivore behaviour, individual-level performance, and population demographics, all of which are important for understanding the ecology and evolution of plant-animal interactions across a heterogeneous phytochemical landscape.