Endangered Butterflies
of the Okanagan and Similkameen
Butterflies are some of the most popular and well-loved insects, and many can be found throughout the grass- and shrub-lands of the Okanagan-Similkameen. They are key players in pollination, and make up an important part of the local food web. Unfortunately, some of our butterfly species are endangered and face many threats. Keep reading to meet three of our endangered butterfly species.
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Behr's Hairstreak
These butterflies rely on Antelope brush as the only food source for their larvae (caterpillars). This heavy reliance on a single plant species makes the species vulnerable to disturbances. If the Antelope brush disappears, so too will the Behr's Hairstreak. The adult's nectar diet is also somewhat limited by their short proboscis; they can only reach the nectar within small flowers such as yarrow, buckwheat, and sumac.
Half-moon Hairstreak
Lupines are the only plant host for Half-moon hairstreak caterpillars, and much like Behr's hairstreaks, this makes them vulnerable to changes in their habitat. Parsnip-flowered buckwheat, horsebrush, and goldenrod are important nectar plants for adults while sagebrush provides shelter and mating sites. The inner, dorsal side of their wings are a uniform sooty grey.
Mormon Metalmark
Buckwheat plants, especially snow buckwheat, are very important both for nectar and as a larval host plant. In BC, they are found throughout the Similkameen and around Osoyoos. Invasive plant species are a major concern for the Mormon Metalmark, as these invaders can push out the buckwheat plants that the butterflies rely on.
RESOURCES
Keywords
PRINTABLE BROCHURE
SPECIES & SPACES RESOURCE LIBRARY
ATTRACTING POLLINATORS
PLANT DATABASE
(be sure to select "native to the Okanagan")
Habitat loss and conversion: around 68% of antelope brush habitat in BC has been lost, and more has been damaged through livestock grazing and recreation
Some Threats to our Butterflies
Invasive plant species out-compete important host and nectar plants
Increased fire intensity and forest encroachment
due to years of fire suppression
Increased droughts and changed precipitation patterns due to climate change lead to higher mortality of juveniles
The importance of
Grasslands
The best way to protect our butterflies, and to protect other species, is to protect the habitats and resources they depend on for their survival. Our grasslands are home to an astonishing diversity of mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and plants. In spring and early summer, wildflowers bring bursts of colour to the landscape. Healthy grasslands help to purify our water, clean our air, and reduce soil erosion and flooding. These beautiful ecosystems are critical to the health of our planet, but unfortunately, grasslands are under threat.
Grassland Superpowers
Grasslands help to mitigate climate change by absorbing vast amounts of carbon from the air and locking it away in the soil!
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Plants and soils in grasslands absorb, then slowly release water to filter out contaminants. We can thank grasslands much of our clean drinking water!
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​Though they cover less than 1% of BC's land, more than 30% of the province's at-risk species rely on our grasslands
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Despite being one of the most biodiverse places in British Columbia, the Okanagan-Similkameen’s grasslands are also highly endangered. Our grasslands face heavy pressures from expanding agriculture, urban development, and recreation, all of which can destroy and fragment the habitat. Although they only cover less than 1% of BC, our southern grasslands are home to over 30% of BC’s at-risk species such as Badgers and Tiger Salamanders.
More than 40% of BC's remaining grasslands are privately owned, so land owners have the opportunity to make a big impact for grassland and wildlife conservation!
Grassland Stewardship Tips
When in the outdoors, always ride and camp on designated roads and campsites. Creating new roads or sites can cause lasting ecological damage.
Using rotational grazing systems minimizes impacts to grasslands and allows grazed areas to recover.
Prevent the spread of invasive species in grasslands by inspecting and removing seed and plant material from your clothes and gear after enjoying the outdoors.
Avoid picking wildflowers. Though beautiful, they are often a critically needed food source or host plant.