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Once found on Washington's southwest coast, now extirpated due to habitat loss.
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Coastal butterfly, coastal meadows
The Oregon Silverspot Butterfly was found along Washington's southern coast. The butterfly made its home in coastal salt-spray meadows and fringing forests. Both development and the spread of non-native plants have eliminated silverspot food and habitat.
Violet visitor
The silverspot requires a meadow species of violet to lay eggs and nourish its larvae. Adult food sources include: Yarrow, pearly everlasting, Canada goldenrod, and douglas aster. These plants are all native to the silverspot's habitat. Meadow plants provide food for larvae, nectar for adults. Forest fringes provide shelter from the wind.
Human impacts on silverspot habitat
- Grasslands no longer maintained by fire
The grasslands the silverspot requires are naturally controlled by fires, wind, and salt spray. With homes moving into grasslands, fires are controlled. Trees and shrubs then invade meadows, eliminating silverspot habitat.
- Cars increase butterfly mortality
Roads cut through meadows; butterflies hit car windshields.
- Extreme weather kills butterflies
An entire year's population can be lost in one year due to extreme weather conditions.
- Development replaces meadows
Butterfly habitat is rapidly being replaced by homes, buildings, and grazing areas.
- Non-native plants invade grasslands
Non-native plants such as Scot's broom crowd out the butterfly's native food sources.
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Food for larvae
The western blue violet, a key food source for silverspot larvae, is rare due to habitat loss.
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