Leona’s Little Blue Butterfly – State Wildlife Action Plan

Leona’s Little Blue Butterfly

Photo Credit: Sarina Jepson, The Xerces Society

Philotiella leona is tiny (< 2 cm) with large bodies relative to the wings. The dorsal wings of the males are dark, dusky blue in the center, with black wing edges. The female dorsal wings are blackish brown. The ventral wings of both sexes are white with very large black discal and median spots on forewing and strongly developed black median spots on the hindwing.

Overview

  • Species Common Name Leona's Little Blue Butterfly
  • Species Scientific Name Philotiella leona

Ecoregions

Special needs

This species occurs in only one known location globally and is restricted to less than 12 square miles of ash-pumice habitat east of Crater Lake, OR. Larvae are obligate feeders on spurry buckwheat. Adults require adequate nectar resources.

Limiting factors

In addition to its very restricted distribution and small population size, this endemic species is threatened by conifer encroachment, fire, loss of early-successional habitat, mining, and over-grazing by livestock.

Conservation actions

Maintain and restore existing habitat with appropriate host and nectar plants. Monitor population annually. Remove invasive vegetation and reduce woody succession.

Key reference or plan

Fallon, C., S. Jepsen, and S.F. Jordan. 2020. Interagency Special Status/Sensitive Species Program (ISSSSP) Species Fact Sheet: Philotiella leona. USDA Forest Service Region 6 and USDI Bureau of Land Management Oregon State Office. 24 pp. Read here