Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) in northeastern Iowa 653A2358.JPG
This Baltimore checkerspot is a rare butterfly here in northeastern Iowa and across the entire state since its caterpillars only eat white turtlehead (Chelone glabra) leaves and that plant is restricted to living on fens - a very rare habitat type that's now as scarce as hen's teeth here. The Baltimore checkerspot also has a very restricted flight season lasting from now until about the Fourth of July.
Baltimore checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) in northeastern Iowa 653A2358.JPG
This Baltimore checkerspot is a rare butterfly here in northeastern Iowa and across the entire state since its caterpillars only eat white turtlehead (Chelone glabra) leaves and that plant is restricted to living on fens - a very rare habitat type that's now as scarce as hen's teeth here. The Baltimore checkerspot also has a very restricted flight season lasting from now until about the Fourth of July.