On my Indian paintbrush

First step I do is compare to butterfly caterpillars (pics of eggs) known to use the plant as host. If it's a possible match, leave them alone for further observation. If not, investigate other critters that might lay eggs that look like that. Usually don't figure it out unless they obviously match a butterfly. Depending on the plant, I might remove the egg mass and isolate it in a container with a lid to see what comes out. Many beneficial predators lay eggs on plants, I'd hate to kill any of those.

Thanks Tiffany,
The plant is Castilleja integra and the 'internet says' it is a host plant for Chlosyne fulvia, which are known to live in the southern part of my state, but that Castilleja in general (?) host Chlosyne ssp. in general (?) and that they do lay the eggs in groups or colonies and they will lay them directly on bracts...
I may have seen checkerspot-type butterflies around
I cannot find a matching egg picture so I will just see what happens because I can totally do that

Sounds like a good investigation in progress. Wish I had more info, glad to share what little I did. Somebody else who sees this might have more enlightenment. Keep adding pics as things progress?

Yes, please do track this with pictures shared here, if you can. How wonderful!