Coastal Greenish Blue Butterfly – State Wildlife Action Plan

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P. s. littoralis adults are slightly larger than other blue butterflies (Polyommatinae subfamily), and have reduced black spots below with unique white haloes. Individuals from southern coastal colonies may be darker blue and more heavily spotted than those found further north. They have two rows of markings on the underside of the hindwings.

Overview

Species Common Name Coastal Greenish Blue Butterfly
Species Scientific Name Plebejus saepiolus littoralis

Ecoregions

Columbia Plateau

The Columbia Plateau ecoregion was shaped by cataclysmic floods and large deposits of wind-borne silt and sand earlier in its geological history. It is dominated by a rolling landscape of arid lowlands dissected by several important rivers, and extends from the eastern slopes of the Cascades Mountains, south and east from the Columbia River to the Blue Mountains.

Special needs

They are found in sand dunes and coastal salt-spray meadows. Clovers serve as important host plants. Conifer trees adjacent to meadows can serve as shelter and windbreaks.

Limiting factors

Vulnerable to habitat loss due to development and habitat alteration due to fire suppression. Invasive vegetation may displace native plants that provide adult nectar sources and larval host plants. At risk of local extinction due to small, isolated populations.

Data gaps

Conduct surveys to determine subspecies extent. Research metapopulation dynamics. Evaluate effects of habitat management activities on butterflies and host and nectar plants. Collect life history and population data.

Conservation actions

Protect known sites of occurrence. Maintain and restore early succession dune and meadow habitat. Monitor extant populations. Survey historical sites and potential habitat for additional populations. Remove invasive vegetation and reduce woody succession.

Key reference or plan

Fallon, C. and M. Blackburn. 2017. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) Species Fact Sheet: Plebejus saepiolus littoralis. USDA Forest Service Region 6 and USDI Bureau of Land Management Oregon State Office. 21 pp. Read here