New Jersey Butterfly Club

Baltimore Checkerspot

Euphydryas phaeton

Identification: Medium—2.1". Above: FW and HW mostly black but with orange marginal bands on both wings, many bands of white check marks, and orange basal spots. Below: FW and HW checked black and white, with large orange basal spots and orange band on wing margins.

NJ Status and Distribution: Resident. Uncommon and very local in the northern counties (Sussex, Warren, and Passaic). Has seriously declined in much of its range. Formerly reported from almost every county.

Habitat: Mostly open, sunny, wet meadows, but sometimes in upland fields.

Flight Period: One brood, early June to early August. Extreme dates: 6/2—8/2.

Caterpillar Food Plants: Early instars feed on Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), a native wetland plant. After overwintering, caterpillars may feed on a wide variety of plants including plantains (Plantago), ash (Fraxinus), viburnums, penstemon, and honeysuckle (Lonicera).

Overwintering Stage: 4th-instar caterpillar.

Good Locations: Kittatinny Valley State Park.

Comments: In flight this species appears rather dark and not very exciting. But be sure to follow it until it lands as only then will you appreciate its striking colors.