Maryland Native Plant Society

When the beautiful orange-and-black checkered Baltimore Checkerspot was named Maryland's official state insect in 1973, the butterfly was common in much of Maryland in its upland, wet meadow habitat. Since then, the species has dwindled throughout the Mid-Atlantic, the consequences of development pressures, deer over-population, gypsy moth control, and other factors. Once known in 15 Maryland counties, the butterfly has recently been found in only five. Pat Durkin, founder and director of the Baltimore Checkerspot Restoration Project and long-time MNPS member, will give a presentation on the Baltimore Checkerspot's natural history, its larval host plants, and what is being done to improve its outlook in Maryland.