Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this article about Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies. Creatures such as these delicate Lepidoptera remain some of the most delightful creatures in the world. However, not all of them are doing well, in terms of population.

These herein may represent Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies, but many others are not far behind them. We hope that enjoying this article helps to raise awareness of their plight. Interestingly, all of these evolved as endemic to the same area of the world.

Leona’s Little Blue

Leona’s Little Blue Facts

• Leading off this article about Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies, is the seventh rarest of them, the lovely Leona’s Little Blue.
• Delightfully, the lighthearted term aptly serves as the generally accepted common name for a stunning variety of Lepidoptera. However, this truly marvelous, and rarely photographed, little invertebrate also bears another name.
• That’s due to the fact that it also has the somewhat difficult to pronounce scientific name of the Philotiella leona. This nonetheless tongue-twisting term is rarely used, except by professional entomologists and scientific researchers.
• Regardless of what term one uses to refer to it, one fact remains consistent. That’s the fact that this marvel of Nature amazes those who learn of it. This holds true due to the simple fact that the species remained unknown until 1995.
• At that time, though, Leona and Harold Rice made the surprising discovery of the delicately beautiful species. But, the official confirmation that this fabulous invertebrate constituted a previously unknown species did not occur until 1999.
• Additionally, based on its known population base, the Leona’s Little Blue qualifies as the 7th rarest species of butterfly known to man. In point of fact, estimates currently place its population at somewhere between 1,000 – 2,000 individuals.
• However, for currently unknown reasons, the IUCN presently has no listing for the incredible arthropod. Such a listing would appear on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. That could change, however, as its situation does.
• But, the country in which this marvelous insect appears understandably lists it under its own Endangered Species Act. Finally, as a result of its limited numbers, it remains at severe risk from both habitat loss and climate change.

Leona’s Little Blue Physical Description

The name of the extremely delicate-seeming Lepidoptera named the Leona’s Little Blue provides a good indicator of its physical stature. That fact remains, regardless of its other impressive statistics. However, this particular arthropod ranks as a small one.

Although it does display a degree of the trait of sexual dimorphism, in its case, this has nothing to do with size. That statement rings true given the fact that physically mature individuals of both genders attain an average wingspan equaling 0.75 – 1.0 in (1.9 – 2.5 cm).

The truly magnificent little species does display gender-based differences, to be clear. Nonetheless, these manifest themselves in a manner other than size-related. This occurs because the physical distinction between the sexes presents in appearance.

Firstly, the males of the truly amazing Leona’s Little Blue typically develop a most striking color pattern. This consists of a moderately dark, sometimes dusky, blue on the dorsal wing. In addition, this same feature also displays thin, black sub-margins.

Meanwhile, the dorsal wing of the females has a different pattern of color. This part of her body most commonly appears a light brown. However, both genders usually display a primarily off-white background, with black spots on the ventral wing.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mandibulata
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Lycaenidae
• Genus: Philotiella
• Species: P. leona

Leona’s Little Blue Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite sadly, the stunning Leona’s Little Blue apparently evolved as native solely to an extremely tiny portion of the world. More precisely, that highly restricted region consists of a portion of North America known for both its geological beauty and its native wildlife.

That’s due to the fact that this delicate marvel of nature evolved as endemic to an extremely tiny area. That’s a very small portion of the state of Oregon, in the United States. Even there, quite sadly, this small butterfly only appears within a very tiny range.

That holds true given the fact that its only known populations live in an area known locally as the Antelope Desert. More exactly, the invertebrate inhabits a section of this region that comprises a total of a mere 6 sq mi (15.5 sq km) of Klamath County.

In addition, the gorgeous little Lepidoptera apparently only lives in a very highly specific type of habitat. Quite unfortunately, it remains unknown if it ever existed elsewhere, or in any other habitat types. Research into this continues to be undertaken, however.

For now, its only population exists within an area of small clearings, located within a small forest. Plus, the main component of the forests that the insect lives in is composed of pine trees. This appears to be a crucial component for the Leona’s Little Blue.

The soil has a high concentration of volcanic ash and pumice. Further, the buckwheat that evolved to thrive there plays a pivotal role for the species. That’s because this plant serves as both a host plant for its larvae, and a source of nectar for adults.

Schaus Swallowtail Facts

• Next up among the species qualifying as Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies is the sixth rarest, the gorgeous Schaus Swallowtail.
• The distinctive term serves as one of the common names for a particularly rare species of Lepidoptera. Furthermore, one of the other common names applied to this beautiful insect includes that of the island swallowtail.
• However, the gorgeous creature also goes by other, less frequently used names. Among these is the hard to pronounce scientific name of the Papilio aristodemus. By either name, though, the invertebrate remains a very lovely variety of butterfly.
• In addition, this magnificent invertebrate bears a name honoring the American entomologist, Wiliam Schaus. This honorary naming occurred due to the fact that he became the first person to officially recognize the insect as a distinct species.
• This fortunate discovery further occurred in comparatively modern times. That holds true since this event occurred in the year 1911. Quite sadly, however, the insect also presently ranks as the sixth rarest species of butterfly known to man.
• For unknown reasons, though, the marvel of Nature does not appear on the Red List, published by the IUCN. However, it does officially constitute a federally protected species in the country in which it appears. Sadly, its numbers remain extremely low.
• Presently, the beautiful Schaus Swallowtail faces two great threats to its continued existence. For one, habitat loss poses a very real danger, given continued human expansion. But, its greatest threat most likely comes in the form of climate change.

Schaus Swallowtail Physical Description

The magnificent arthropod named the Schaus Swallowtail impresses with more than just its beauty. In fact, the creature also ranks as a comparatively large size of butterfly. In addition, like many related species, it also displays the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism.

Although the genders appear almost identical in coloring, many females attain a slightly larger wingspan than their male counterparts. Overall, however, the Schaus Swallowtail achieves an average wingspan measuring between 3.25 – 3.75 in (82 – 95 cm).

The upper side of the wings mainly presents a brown background. This also shows a yellow band and yellow spots. The back of the hindwings also has a yellow outline. The underside shows a yellow background, with brown marks and a blue and reddish-brown band.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Papilionidae
• Genus: Papilio
• Species: P. aristodemus

Schaus Swallowtail Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Sadly, the beautiful Schaus Swallowtail only inhabits an extremely tiny portion of the world. In point of fact, the extent of its only known location may surprise you. The area in which the invertebrate appears consists of a very minor section of North America.

More precisely, this zone of habitation consists solely of portions of the state of Florida, in the United States. However, even within that already extremely restricted range, the beautiful but rare insect only inhabits certain very specific types of habitat.

This specific habitat consists of regions of what’s known as hardwood hammocks. As a result, the remarkable species only appears in one location on the tip of the mainland, and in the Florida Keys. Within its range, this species appears to demonstrate territoriality.

Males appear to patrol females and investigate other butterflies entering their territory. Both genders remain close to the ground, rarely exceeding 10 ft (3.05 m) in altitude. Further, both sexes mostly stay in dense areas, only staying in open areas during mating season.

The gorgeous Schaus Swallowtail, quite sadly, has a very short lifespan. To be more precise, the delicate wonder of Nature generally only produces one generation per year. Most commonly, peak flying periods for the arthropod occur between early May to early June.

After hatching, the pupae, an overall dark brown in color, typically attach themselves to such locations as a twig or leaf, and feed voraciously. Although certain shrubs form the main food source for pupae, adults consume nectar from many sources.

Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly

Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly Facts

• Appearing next in this compendium of Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies is the fifth rarest of them, the Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly.
• The visually stunning butterfly ranks as the fifth rarest known species of butterfly in the world. Ironically, this Lepidoptera shares part of its habitat range with yet another very rare butterfly. That species is the Mitchell’s Satyr Butterfly.
• Amazingly, though, science did not discover this remarkable species until the year 1983. Subsequently, the first official description of the wonderful invertebrate occurred in 1989. Since then studies of the insect have been ongoing.
• Following that, the gorgeous insect became listed as federally endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the year 1995. But surprisingly, the gorgeous Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly does not appear on the IUCN Red List.
• Nevertheless, its populations numbers earn it the distinction it holds as the fifth rarest of all butterflies. Estimates place its population at between 500 -1,400 individuals. Understandably, it now faces numerous threats to its continued existence.
• Regrettably, due to the nature of its habitat range, the ongoing threat of habitat loss poses a very real and present danger. However, this stunning Lepidoptera also faces the looming threat of climate change, much like many species.

Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly Physical Description

Firstly, regardless of its great beauty, the delicate Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly remains a physically small variety of butterfly. Secondly, the lovely arthropod also displays a very slight degree of the physical characteristic of sexual dimorphism.

In the case of this insect, however, this physical trait displays itself in terms of very slight size and coloring differences. Although females do tend to be slightly larger, an overall average wingspan for the insect equals about 1.34 – 1.73 in (34 – 44 mm).

Plus, the overall color scheme of the awesome invertebrate presents a general background of a shade of light brown. Males also tend to be a slightly darker brown in color. Additionally, a number of small oval spots appear on the lower surfaces of the wings.

Also, these spots of the Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly typically possess a dark brown center. Yet inside of these appears a light, almost opalescent patch, with a silvery shade. These spots further display a dark yellow border around them.

In turn, this narrow border has its own outer border of dark brown. Finally, though, two comparatively bright orange bands accent these, between them and the edges of the wings. The net effect gives the insect a most striking physical appearance.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Nymphalidae
• Genus: Neonympha
• Species: N. mitchellii

Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The dazzling Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly inhabits an extremely limited habitat range. Firstly, that range falls within the boundaries of the United States, in North America. Secondly, that range remains further limited to only the single state of North Carolina.

Even within this area, the butterfly only has an extraordinarily limited territory. That holds true due to the fact that it appears only in the area covered by the military base, Fort Bragg. This lies in an area that covers small portions of four separate counties in the state.

Even there, the Saint Francis’ Satyr Butterfly inhabits a specific type of habitat. That consists of regions of broad, damp meadows. Further, these also must have a strong diversity of different types of sedges, and located in close proximity to gently flowing streams.

Just like other types of butterflies found throughout the world, this species has a liquid diet. Also following the pattern of most related species, adults primarily feed on the nectar of various local flowers. This does, however, leave them dependent on them.

Nevertheless, this gorgeous Lepidoptera will also occasionally consume other things. These most commonly consist of pollen, sap, or rotting fruit. But the caterpillar form only feeds on various leaves. These, however, it consumes voraciously.

Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly

Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly Facts

• The next insect in this compilation of Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies is the fourth rarest of them all, the Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly.
• Unfortunately, for all of its many special and fascinating qualities, the truly magnificent butterfly remains best known for a very sad reason. This little Lepidoptera currently holds a lamentable position among similar insects.
• The stunning insect ranks as the fourth rarest of all known varieties of butterflies in the world. In point of fact, the most recent estimates place the surviving population of the uniquely charming arthropod at no more than 450 individuals.
• Interestingly, a remarkable fact quickly became evident when Dr. John A. Comstock discovered the beautiful invertebrate in 1933. He found the marvel in one highly isolated region, and it has never been seen elsewhere.
• In addition, the amazing creature also represents a subspecies of another beautiful butterfly, the Mormon metalmark. Due to its official status as a subspecies, the IUCN does not list the Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly on its Red List.
• The butterfly presently holds the understandable status of Endangered in the country in which it appears, however. Quite thankfully for those who respect Nature, concerted conservation efforts remain underway at this time.
• But its own nature tends to limit these attempts to preserve it. For unknown reasons, the butterfly evolved a complete dependency upon on specific plant. Captive breeding has been ongoing since 2007, but few released individuals survive.

Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly Physical Description

Although it does stand out for its many other fabulous qualities, the beautiful Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly does not impress one due to its size. The marvelous insect elegantly proves the old adage that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

This stunning arthropod remains quite small in dimensions, at least compared to other butterfly species around the world. But this petite animal does distinguish itself from many others of its kind in that it displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism.

Due to this uncommon fact, mature adults of both genders of the remarkable invertebrate attain the same average wingspan. Further, these quite delicate appendages have an average width measuring between 1 – 1.5 in (2.54 – 3.81 cm).

In addition, both genders of this species display the same overall physical appearance, beyond the simple matter of the wings. This includes both the overall coloring, and the patterns in which these appear. Obviously, this complicates identification of the sexes.

Firstly, the dorsal wings present as principally black, with numerous small, white spots. Meanwhile, reddish-orange coloring runs through much of the interior of these. But the underside of the wings displays a lighter blend of black, gray, orange, and white.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Riodinidae
• Genus: Apodemia
• Species: A. mormo
• Subspecies: A. m. langei

Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite sadly, the astonishing Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly inhabits one of the smallest ranges of any known Lepidoptera. To be more precise, this creature only appears in a perilously small portion of the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge.

This sits about 40 mi (64 km) from the city of San Francisco, in the United States. More precisely, this tiny refuge in North America only comprises an area of 67 acres (27 hectares). But, even there the little beauty inhabits an especially specific and restrictive habitat.

The invertebrate only appears to live along the southern banks of one small stretch of the Sacramento River. Its former range once included a more extensive stretch of the same river. Surprisingly though, no evidence of a formerly greater range exists.

Originally, this area consisted of a somewhat surprising type of environment. That was largely formed of numerous and comparatively extensive sand dunes. However, this landscape changed dramatically and rapidly when human expansion into the region began.

That was due to the fact that humans subsequently removed most of the sand for construction purposes. This removal led to the alteration of the available dune habitat to its current condition of primarily scrubland, with many small hills.

The gorgeous Lange’s Metalmark Butterfly has a lifespan averaging about one year. However,only a small portion of that period of time consists of adulthood. The species remains completely dependent on the presence of a shrub known as the Naked Buckwheat.

For reasons that still mystify researchers, the females will only lay eggs on the leaves of this plant, and nowhere else. If the plant isn’t present, no eggs are laid. Larvae fed only on this plant, but adults will also feed on nectar from a few other local plants.

Palos Verdes blue

Palos Verdes blue Facts

• As we approach the top of this listing of Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies, we come to the third rarest, the lovely Palos Verdes blue.
• Without doubt, the most notable fact about the beautiful little butterfly most unfortunately remains its status. That’s due to the fact that, truly sadly, this small Lepidoptera now ranks as the third rarest butterfly on earth.
• This holds true despite ongoing efforts to preserve the remarkable species. In 2009, one such program finally came to fruition. At that time conservationists released several hundred specimens bred in captivity into the wild.
• As a result of this action, its known population reached nearly 5,000 individuals. Yet sadly, most of those subsequently perished in a regional drought. This situation took a terrible toll on the species.
• Due to these events, its known population currently numbers only about 200 individuals. However, despite this lamentable situation, the IUCN inexplicably does not list it on its Red List of Threatened Species.
• But, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does list it as an Endangered Species, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, the few remaining specimens still face severe threats, including climate change and habitat destruction.

Palos Verdes blue Physical Description

Impressively, the lovely Palos Verdes blue remains a physically comparatively small variety of butterfly, regardless of its beauty. The amazing species also displays a variety of sexual dimorphism. In this species, like many others, the genders vary slightly in appearance.

Firstly, both sexes of this magnificent Lepidoptera display the light blue color on the wings. Secondly, however, the degree of difference begins at this point. That’s due to the fact that the dorsal wing of the male shows a bright silvery-blue, with a black outline.

Meanwhile, that of the female has a decidedly different appearance. In fact, this actually shows a somewhat stark seeming brownish-gray in color. Also, the overall wingspan possessed by both sexes averages only about 0.98 – 1.18 in (25 – 30 mm).

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Lycaenidae
• Genus: Glaucopsyche
• Species: G. I. palosverdesensis

Palos Verdes blue Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite sadly, the precious Palos Verdes blue inhabits an extremely tiny range. This fact only serves to increase the danger of extinction. Presently, its only known population in the wild lives on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, in California, in the United States in North America.

In addition to inhabiting an extremely limited area, the insect also has a highly limited habitat type. That’s due to the fact that it only appears in areas of coastal scrub. Researchers do not yet know if it ever existed in any other region.

The tiny but awesome little marvel of Nature also highly selective in what it will feed on. Due to this selectivity, it only consumes two plants, known commonly as locoweed and common deerweed. Sadly, both species are themselves rapidly disappearing.

Finally, the amazing Lepidoptera also faces stiff competition, and therefore threats to its survival, from other local species. These primarily consist of other, more numerous varieties of butterfly. It also falls prey to predation from populations of the western yellowjacket.

Island Marble

Island Marble Facts

• Moving up the list, we come to the next of Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies, the delicate beauty known simply as the Island Marble.
• Most notably, the magnificent little butterfly remains an extremely rare species of Lepidoptera. It further bears the scientific name of the Euchloe ausonides insulanus. It also happens to only inhabit an extremely limited portion of the world.
• Entomologists previously believed this little butterfly to be extinct in the wild, since 1908. Quite fortunately, however, that changed as the result of a survey undertaken in 1998, when researchers discovered several living individuals.
• Yet, despite all these factors, the gorgeous insect does not yet appear on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. But the invertebrate has, quite understandably, been recommended for inclusion on that list.
• Finally, and also quite sadly, the Island Marble now faces numerous threats to its existence. Habitat loss and climate change pose serious dangers, in addition to invasive species. Yet, efforts to preserve the Island Marble are underway.

Island Marble Physical Description

First of all, while gorgeous, the sincerely stunning Island Marble only ranks as a medium-sized variety of butterfly. Mature individuals attain an average wing width of about 1.75 in (4.5 cm). In fact, it resembles the Cabbage White Butterfly in some ways.

Also, it generally has a primarily creamy-white appearance on the upper side. Yet, Nature coupled this with a greenish-yellow underneath. Additionally, the upper side has black patterned tips on the wings, and a black rectangle mid-wing.

But the Island Marble also displays yet another feature which adds to its distinctive beauty. The majority of the body possesses a covering of thick, short, and extremely soft hairs. Lastly, these almost always develop as a brilliant white in color.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Pieridae
• Genus: Euchloe
• Species: E. a. insulana

Island Marble Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Firstly, the always beautiful insect named the Island Marble, unfortunately, only inhabits the San Juan Islands. These comprise a 4 island archipelago, technically forming San Juan County, in Washington State, in the United States in North America.

Further, its known habitat consists solely of a highly specific range of environments. These consist of regions of coastal lagoons, prairies, and sand dunes. However, unlike the great majority of butterflies, this delicate beauty does not engage in migration.

It also has a very surprising life cycle. This perhaps evolved as an adaptation to its particular environment. The insect spends the great majority of its short life, about one year, as a chrysalis. Its egg, larval, and adult stages last for short periods.

The Island Marble flies for very short periods during the spring. In an interesting case of adaptation, adults now feed almost exclusively on a non-native plant. Finally, it mates and lays eggs right after emerging from its chrysalis, living only a few days as an adult.

Miami Blue

Miami Blue Facts

• And here we come to the final invertebrate in this article about Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies, the rarest of them all, the Miami Blue.
• Incredibly, the truly gorgeous Miami Blue represents one of the rarest insects in all of North America. In addition, the amazing insect also bears the difficult to pronounce scientific name of Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri.
• Quite unfortunately, this wonder of Nature also has a severely restricted habitat range, which compounds matters. Due to these factors, as well as others, the IUCN currently lists the invertebrate as Critically Endangered.
• However, a captive breeding program has recently increased its numbers, albeit in captivity. But, in the wild, its numbers unfortunately continue to dwindle, as it faces multiple threats to its continued existence.
• These include climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss. Members of this species have one of the smallest individual home ranges. That holds true because monitored specimens rarely move more than 25 ft (7.6 m) from the host plant.

Miami Blue Physical Description

But, perhaps most notably, the delicate little Miami Blue proves that beauty comes in all sizes. That is because individuals of the marvelous butterfly, for all their beauty, never attain a large size. In point of fact, these only average a wingspan of only 0.87 -1.1 in (22 – 28 mm).

In addition, like many Lepidoptera, this small but beautiful species displays sexual dimorphism, if in a limited way. On males, the upperside of the wings show a bright metallic blue. However, on females, the pattern shows dark gray with a little blue.

But, in both genders of the marvelous Miaim Blue, the underside of the wings shows the exact same pattern of color. This consists of shades of gray, with a band of white on the hindwing. Four small black spots also appear on the hindwing, as well.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Lepidoptera
• Family: Lycaenidae
• Genus: Cyclargus
• Species: C. thomasi

Miami Blue Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Not surprisingly, the truly eye-catching Miami Blue only inhabits a very tiny portion of the United States, in North America. More exactly, this range consists of only the coastal regions of the state of Florida. It was once quite common, but not anymore.

But even within this highly restricted range, the lovely invertebrate only inhabits very specific areas. These consist of areas of scrub, tropical hardwood forests, and also pine rocklands. Yet sadly, this specificity only serves to make it more vulnerable.

Furthermore, just like some related species, the Miami Blue remains highly dependent upon certain host plants. Individuals of the species commonly spend their entire lives feeding on and living near the same plant on which they were born.

Also, after mating, females typically lay about 300 eggs. But rarely does she lay more than a handful of eggs on the same host plant. Hatching requires about 30 days. Finally, adults of the Miami Blue appear throughout the year, with overlapping generations.

Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies

We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed this article about Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies. Sadly, each and every one of these marvelous species need our help. Without it, many, if not all of them, may not survive as a species for much longer.

It now remains up to each and every one of us to do all that we can to protect and preserve Earth’s 7 Rarest Butterflies for our posterity. It may take changing some of some of our ways of thinking, but the result will be infinitely worth it.

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