Baltimore Checkerspot in Virginia
(Second of two) Baltimore Checkerspots, Euphydryas phaeton, have white turtlehead as a primary larval host. The plant prefers moist areas and is favored as a food by deer. Both factors may cause a decline in the number of plants, which in turn can lead to declines in Checkerspot populations. Fortunately, in some areas the butterflies are using the introduced weedy plant English Plantain and other plants as food for their caterpillars.
June 26, 2015. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
Baltimore Checkerspot in Virginia
(Second of two) Baltimore Checkerspots, Euphydryas phaeton, have white turtlehead as a primary larval host. The plant prefers moist areas and is favored as a food by deer. Both factors may cause a decline in the number of plants, which in turn can lead to declines in Checkerspot populations. Fortunately, in some areas the butterflies are using the introduced weedy plant English Plantain and other plants as food for their caterpillars.
June 26, 2015. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.