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THE STATE INSECT

by Yasmin A.

The Baltimore checkerspot is the symbol chosen to represent our state insect. You might be able to find checkerspots in the northeastern part of the United State. The appearance of the Baltimore checkerspot is brown with a lot of black spots. It also wears the colors of Maryland Flag, black and red like a checkerboard shape. The end of its wings look like house shingles. White streaks and yellow spots form the second and third row. The checkerspot lays its eggs in groups. After the eggs have hatched they are black with orange bands and black bristles. The Checkerspot eats turtlehead plants which grow in the wet meadows.