The Baltimore Checkerspot is a fascinating medium-sized butterfly species that boasts a unique combination of colors and patterns on its wings.
Belonging to the family Nymphalidae, also known as brushfooted butterflies, these creatures possess reduced front legs, giving the appearance of having only four legs instead of six.
Recognizable by their black wings adorned with white and orange markings, Baltimore Checkerspots are slow, deliberate fliers.
Both males and females can be observed perching on low vegetation with open wings, while males are known to congregate in puddle clubs.
The females deposit clusters of several hundred tiny yellow eggs on host leaves, which turn red as they age, eventually giving way to the next generation of this captivating butterfly.
Baltimore Checkerspot Overview
Euphydryas Phaeton
The Baltimore Checkerspot is a fascinating butterfly species scientifically known as Euphydryas phaeton.
It holds the honor of being Maryland’s State Insect since 1973, and though relatively common then, its population has since declined.
Appearance
This medium-sized butterfly sports a striking color palette featuring:
- A black base color
- Rows of white spots in the middle of its wings
- Orange spots along the wing margins
These distinctive markings make the Baltimore Checkerspot easy to identify. Its appearance serves as a prime example of the eye-catching patterns found among butterfly species.
Size and Wingspan
The Baltimore Checkerspot belongs to the Nymphalidae family, which comprises brushfooted butterflies.
They possess reduced front legs, giving them the appearance of having only four legs instead of six. With a wingspan of around 2.5 inches, it falls within the range of medium-sized butterflies.
Flight Pattern
Distinct flight patterns characterize various butterfly species, including the Baltimore Checkerspot.
Unfortunately, limited information is available on its specific flight pattern.
However, observing these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat can provide insight into their graceful aerial movements.
Life Cycle and Habitats
Egg Stage
The Baltimore Checkerspot life cycle begins with the female butterfly laying eggs.
These eggs are usually laid in clusters on the leaves of host plants, mainly white turtlehead and English plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
Caterpillar and Communal Web Stage
Once hatched, the caterpillars feed on the host plants and create communal webs as they grow.
Key features of the caterpillars are:
- Black with orange spots
- Spiky hairs on their body
Pupa Stage
After several molts, the caterpillars transform into pupae.
During the pupa stage:
- They are immobile
- Metamorphosis takes place, transforming them into butterfly
Adult Butterfly Stage
Finally, the adult Baltimore Checkerspot emerges. Characteristics of the adult butterfly include:
- Wingspan of roughly 2.5 inches
- Distinct black, white, and orange patterns on wings
Habitats and Host Plants:
The Baltimore Checkerspot inhabits wet meadows, prairies, and damp woodland clearings where their host plants are abundant. They rely on host plants for eggs, caterpillars, and obtaining nectar as adults.
Comparison of host plants:
| Host Plant | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| White Turtlehead | Preferred by Baltimore Checkerspot for egg-laying | Not as widely available as Plantago lanceolata |
| English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) | Widely available; can support other butterfly species | May not be native to some areas |
Seasonal Timeline:
- Spring: Eggs are laid on host plants and caterpillars hatch
- June-July: Adult butterflies emerge and start the cycle again
Conservation and Habitat Management
Endangered Status
The Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly is classified as a rare, threatened, and endangered species.
Sensitive Habitats
- Found in wetland habitats
- Depend on specific host plants
- Affected by habitat degradation
Baltimore Checkerspots are predominantly found in wetland habitats, relying on specific host plants, like the white turtlehead, for survival.
Unfortunately, these sensitive habitats are vulnerable to degradation, leading to a decline in the butterfly’s population.
Protection Efforts
- Habitat conservation and enhancement
- Experimental translocation project
There have been various protection efforts put in place to ensure the survival of the Baltimore Checkerspot in Maryland.
They include habitat conservation and enhancement, and an experimental translocation project to support the butterfly’s population.
Feeding and Host Plants
Primary Host Plants
The Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly primarily relies on White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) as its main host plant.
This plant provides the necessary nutrients and habitat for the butterfly’s larvae to feed and grow. Some important features of White Turtlehead include:
- Tolerates a variety of environments
- Blooms between late summer and early fall
- Attracts Baltimore Checkerspot through its tubular white flowers
Nectar Sources
Adult Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies require a diverse range of nectar sources to feed on to maintain their energy levels. Some common nectar sources for this species include:
- Milkweeds
- Dogbane
- Penstemon
- Honeysuckle
- Wild rose
These plants provide essential nutrients to facilitate the butterflies’ reproductive process.
Additional Host Plants
Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies will sometimes lay their eggs on other host plants if White Turtlehead is scarce. Examples of additional host plants are:
- English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
- False Foxglove (Sophronitis virginiana)
| Primary Host | Additional Host | Nectar Sources |
|---|---|---|
| White Turtlehead | English Plantain | Milkweeds |
| (Chelone glabra) | (Plantago lanceolata) | Dogbane |
| False Foxglove | Penstemon | |
| (Sophronitis virginiana) | Honeysuckle | |
| Wild rose |
These secondary host plants enable the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly to maintain its population even when their primary host plant is limited.
It is essential to ensure a diverse range of host and nectar plants in your garden or landscape to support the Baltimore Checkerspot’s population.
Geographical Range and Regional Populations
Distribution in North America
The Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly is primarily found in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Key regions include:
- Great Lakes region
- Appalachian Plateau
- Blue Ridge
- Ridge and Valley regions
These butterflies favor wet meadow habitats within these locations.
State and Regional Information
Baltimore Checkerspot populations vary across different regions:
- USA: Small and isolated populations are spread across states within the butterfly’s range.
- Canada: Eastern provinces like Ontario and Quebec host relatively larger populations.
Within Maryland, most colonies are small and apparently isolated. Some notable counties with sightings include:
- Baltimore County
- Harford County
- Howard County
Comparing the urban population to Baltimore Checkerspot habitats:
| Area | Population | Habitat Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore City | 585,708 | Limited |
| Baltimore County | 847,000 | Suitable |
In summary, the Baltimore Checkerspot is primarily found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada, mainly in wet meadow habitats throughout the Appalachian region.
Populations tend to be smaller and isolated in certain areas, but some regional hotspots, such as in Maryland, are more favorable for this unique butterfly species.
Symbolism and History
George Calvert Connection
The name of the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly is closely linked to George Calvert, the 1st Lord Baltimore.
He is an English nobleman and founder of the Maryland colony and had a profound impact on Maryland’s history.
The black and gold colors of the butterfly resemble the Calvert family’s heraldic shield.
Behavior, Predators, and Defense Mechanisms
Mating
Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies engage in a relatively simple mating process.
The male butterflies find a suitable mate by tracking the females’ pheromones.
Once a pair is formed, they mate in the dense vegetation, which provides them with some shelter and protection from predators.
Communal Web Stage
During the early stages of their life, Baltimore Checkerspot caterpillars live in a communal web.
This web serves as a protective shelter for the caterpillars and aids the young insects in feeding on their host plants.
The communal living style minimizes exposure to predators and increases the chances of survival for the young caterpillars.
Predators and Parasitic Wasps
Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies and their caterpillars face various natural predators, such as:
- Birds
- Spiders
- Predatory insects, like ants and lady beetles
In addition to these predators, parasitic wasps are also a significant threat to Baltimore Checkerspot butterflies.
These wasps lay their eggs inside the caterpillars, ultimately killing them as the wasp larvae develop and consume their host.
Defense Mechanisms
To defend themselves against predators, Baltimore Checkerspot caterpillars and butterflies employ a few strategies:
- Aposematic coloration: The bright and contrasting colors of the butterfly’s wings act as a warning signal to predators that they may be poisonous or bad-tasting.
- Communal living: As mentioned earlier, the caterpillars live together in a protective web, which helps to deter predators.
- Chemical defense: The caterpillars feed on specific host plants that contain toxic compounds, incorporating these toxins into their bodies to make them unappetizing to predators.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this comprehensive guide on the Baltimore Checkerspot, it’s evident that this butterfly is not just a visual marvel but also a symbol of Maryland’s history and biodiversity.
From its unique color patterns to its specific habitat needs, the Baltimore Checkerspot serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in our ecosystems.
While it faces challenges from habitat degradation and predators, efforts are underway to conserve this fascinating species.
Whether you’re an amateur lepidopterist or simply an admirer of nature’s beauty, understanding the Baltimore Checkerspot enriches our appreciation for the intricate web of life around us.
Footnotes
- Rare, Threatened and Endangered Animal Fact Sheets ↩
- Alabama Butterfly Atlas ↩ ↩2
- Baltimore Checkerspot | MDC Teacher Portal ↩
2 Comments. Leave new
What a cool and unusual find – baltimore checkerspots are supposed to be quite rare in their namesake area of Maryland. I live in Maryland about an hour from Baltimore and have never seen one. Apparently they have experienced a steep decline partly because of a lack of native plants that the larvae need to feed on.
This is the shed skin of a caterpillar, probably an eastern black swallowtail or anise swallowtail depending on it’s location. Somewhere right above is a chrysalis!