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MARYLAND AT A GLANCE

WILDLIFE

INSECTS

BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS

[photo, Io moth, Glen Burnie, Maryland]
  • Common Butterflies & Skippers (DNR)

    Butterflies & Moths (order Lepidoptera)
    The common belief that moths are furry, while butterflies are not, is scientifically inaccurate. Although individual species may be called either butterfly or moth, the two are so closely related that division even at the family level is not considered sound.

    Io moth, Glen Burnie, Maryland, January 2013. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Black Swallowtail butterfly - female (Papilio polyxenes) on Zinnea, Glen Burnie, Maryland] What distinguishes Lepidoptera are their comparatively large wings and antennae. While a small number of species possess crossvein wings, most have large membranous wings of various colors and patterns.

    Black Swallowtail butterfly - female (Papilio polyxenes) on Zinnea, Glen Burnie, Maryland, September 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Child butterfly wall mural, Aliceanna St., Baltimore, Maryland] The Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton) is the Maryland State Insect, but is endangered like the Frosted Elfin, the King's Hairstreak and the Olympia Marble.

    Child butterfly wall mural, Aliceanna St., Baltimore, Maryland, October 2011. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Catalpa sphinx caterpillar, Glen Burnie, Maryland] Caterpillars
    Caterpillars are the larvae stage of butterflies or moths.


    Catalpa sphinx caterpillar, Glen Burnie, Maryland, September 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

    [photo, Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar/Giant Woolly Bear (Hypercompe scribonia), Monkton, Maryland] Woolly bears, or woolly worms, are the fuzzy caterpillars that later turn into moths. Their bodies are covered with thick coats of bristles or setae. Woolly bears eat grass, herbs, and plant leaves. They will roll into a defensive ball if disturbed.

    Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar/Giant Woolly Bear (Hypercompe scribonia), Monkton, Maryland, October 2014. Photo by Sarah A. Hanks.

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