rearing Baltimore Checkerspots

The eggs are laid in mass on the underside of the leaves. The eggs will hatch in 14 to 21 days and begin feeding at the top of the plant and construct webs in which they feed gregariously. As they work their way down consuming the plant they extend the web structure. They will develop to the third instar in about three weeks. They continue to feed very slowly until the end of summer at which time build a pre-hibernation web and molt to the fourth instar. They remain on the the plant until early October when they leave the plant hibernate in the leaf litter near the plant. They emerge from hibernation in early may and continue feeding. However, I have always given them Common/English Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) which they readily consume. They pupate in late May or early June.

I lived in North East Ohio when I reared Baltimore Checkespots. It took me three years to learn how it all works. I used an old cinder block storage house (Affectionately called the "BUNKER") to over winter most of my pupae and overwintering larvae. After the first winter I had to mouse proof the structure and replace the roof with a fiberglass material to allow access sun (Photo Period).

The second year I had massive problems with ants. I constructed tables and set the table legs into buckets with water and battery acid. I also used a dried insecticide around the foundation and that solved the ant problem. I keep the inside clean and used very mild bleach water to reduce mold and other hungry things from lurking about. I had no further problems for several years.

I have since learned to use aquariums for the limited rearing I currently attempt and over winter them in my garage.