Fender's Blue Butterfly Information

History

• Fender's blue butterfly was first discovered during a collection made in 1929. Collections continued until about 1937, after which time many in the science community thought the species had disappeared. Fender's blue was rediscovered in 1989 and listed as endangered 11 years later.

Features

• The Fender's blue butterfly hails from the family Lycaenidae and boasts an approximate wingspan of one inch. The male typically features light blue wings, while female wings are of a rusty brown color. For both sexes, the edges of the wings are ringed with a black border and a white fringe. Black and brown spots are prevalent.

Location

• The Fender's blue lives solely in the upland prairies of Oregon's Willamette Valley. The butterfly subsists primarily on the Kincaid's lupine, a wildflower. Fender's blue survives on the lupine during its critical caterpillar stage, while adults lay their eggs on the flowers.

Life Cycle

• The Fender's blue lives for about one year. Adults lay their eggs in May. After hatching, the caterpillar feeds on the Kincaid lupine until July, when it begins to develop. The caterpillar drops to the plant's base and enters a state of suspended development during the autumn and winter months. In early spring, development in the caterpillar continues until entering a pupal stage. The adult butterfly arrives in May.

Conservation

• Conservation efforts have been crucial to the Fender's blue butterfly survival. The species lives on less than 500 acres of prairie, much of which has been taken over by development or invasive plant species. In its remaining habitat, the butterfly has been further threatened by drought conditions.

  Conservationists working to save the Fender's blue have initiated a variety of efforts aimed at stabilizing the precarious population. Landowners are working to ensure the Kincaid's lupine continues to flourish. Educational efforts have also been undertaken in Oregon schools and colleges to inform students about the butterfly. Meanwhile, scientists are studying habitat needs, husbandry protocols for raising the Fender's blue, and captive rearing options in order to further stabilize the population.