ODNR Division of Wildlife - A to Z Species Guide - Butterflies and Skippers - Baltimore Checkerspot

Baltimore Checkerspot

Photo by Jim McCormac		 The Baltimore checkerspot is named for George Calvert, a 17th-century American colonist and the first Lord Baltimore, because its orange and black colors match those on his heraldic shield.

Baltimore Checkerspot
Euphydryas phaeton

At-a-Glance

• Flight Period: May, June, July (one brood)

• Wings: 4.5 - 7.0 cm
Description
Baltimore checkerspots are black butterflies with numerous cream-colored dots, several red-orange spots near the base and border of its wings.

Habitat and Habits
The Baltimore checkerspot inhabits swamps, fens, and wet meadows. It can be found in local colonies over much of Ohio. Baltimores nectar on milkweed. Colonies of this butterfly are intensely localized, but large numbers are usually present when found.

Reproduction and Care of the Young
Eggs are laid in a mass on leaves and stems of the larval host, turtlehead, corn sorrel, and common lousewort. Larvae of the Baltimore begin life feeding in a mass in a silk nest. Later, more mature larvae leave the nest and feed solitarily.