Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly Habitat Restoration
Maryland's state insect, the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton), is one of the many pollinators struggling with habitat loss. Once abundant throughout Maryland, their colorful pattern even inspired the checkered pattern on the state flag! The checkerspot population, however, has declined decades due to the decline of their host plant, the white turtlehead (Chelone glabra). The white turtlehead is subject to over grazing by deer, urban expansion and competition from invasives. Turtlehead plots around campus are part of a larger effort to reintroduce the Baltimore Checkerspot to the area.
Photo by Devon Maloney
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White Turtlehead Plots:
Orange dots (right) represent the pilot white turtlehead plots around campus. Most of the sites are enclosed in poultry netting to guard against deer browsing. |
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Photo By Devon Maloney
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Photo By Donald Adams
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Baltimore CheckerspotThe adult Baltimore checkerspot is black, orange and cream. Adult nectar sources include:
(Frye, 2013)
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Egg mass on underside of Chelone glabra. Photo by Donald Adams
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The caterpillars emerge from leaf litter in spring. Photo by Donald Adams
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