Caterpillar Identification Guide
Baltimore Checkerspot
Genus-Species: Euphydryas phaeton
Host Plants: Plants where eggs are laid and that
caterpillars eat before hibernating are Turtlehead (Chelone glabra), Hairy beardtongue
(Penstemon hirsutus) and False foxglove (Aureolaria species). After overwintering, caterpillars
may continue to use these plants, but may also wander and feed on unrelated plants including
Arrowwood (Viburnum recognitum), Canadian lousewort or Wood betony (Pedicularis
canadensis), and White ash (Fraxinus americana)
Habitat: Open wet meadows where its host plant
turtlehead grows, and adjacent uplands where it may often be found nectaring on black-eyed
susan, milkweeds, thistles, or other nectar sources. The turtlehead generally blooms only after
the Baltimore Checkerspot is finished flying, which may complicate your search.
Comments: The Baltimore Checkerspot is one of the
most distinctive butterfly species in Wisconsin and is unlikely to be confused with any other
butterfly. It is always a pleasure to see fresh Baltimore Checkerspots flying through the wet
meadows where
Caterpillars come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Some caterpillars are quite hairy,
while others are smooth. Despite differences between species, though, all caterpillars
share certain morphological features.
Take this quick quiz and see how much you know about caterpillars. This quiz is intended for fun, in
a random-facts-can-be-cool kind of way.
How does this magic happen? Learn about metamorphosis - the process of transformation from an
immature form to an adult bitterfly.