Left: Adult, larva and potential foodplant Sitka Sedge (Carex sitchensis). The exact species of Sedge preferred by Dun Skipper larvae are unknown.

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1 Butterflies: Dun Skipper( Euphyes vestris) - Global:G5 Provincial: S3 COSEWIC:T (Nov 2000) BC List: Blue, Indra Swallowtail (Papilio indra) - Global:G5 Provincial:S1 COSEWIC: n/a BC List: Red, Monarch (Danaus plexippus) - Global:G5 Provincial:S3B COSEWIC: SC (Nov 2001) BC List: Blue, Propertius Duskywing (Erynnis propertius) - Global:G5 Provincial:S2S3 COSEWIC: n/a BC List: Red Western Sulphur (Colias occidentalis) - Global:G4 Provincial:S4 COSEWIC: n/a BC List: Yellow, (Taylor s) Edith's Checkerspot (Euphydryas editha taylori) Global: G5T1, Provincial: S1, COSEWIC: E, BC List: Red (Island) Large Marble (Euchloe ausonides insulanus) - Global: G5T1 Provincial: SX, COSEWIC: XT, BC List: Red Johnson s Hairstreak (Loranthomitoura johnsoni) - Global: G3G4, Provincial: S1S2, COSEWIC: n/a, BC List: Red (Island) Greenish Blue (Plebeuis saepiolus insulanus) - Global: G5TH, Provincial: SH, COSEWIC: E, BC List: Red Butterflies of conservation concern on the Coast Region depend on a range of host plants and habitats from alpine meadows to grasslands to Garry Oak woodlands and mature coniferous forests. Left: Adult, larva and potential foodplant Sitka Sedge (Carex sitchensis). The exact species of Sedge preferred by Dun Skipper larvae are unknown. Dun Skipper Distribution: The range of Dun Skipper (western population) is restricted mainly to the Coast Region (southwestern) in British Columbia. There are two separate geographic populations in BC, separated by the Straight of Georgia: southeastern Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland. On Vancouver Island, Dun Skipper ranges from the greater Victoria area north to the Courtney/Comox area on the leeward side of the island, with a few records on the southern gulf islands. On the mainland the species ranges throughout the lower Fraser Valley with the species northernmost location at Lillooet ranging south through Boston Bar, Hope, Yale, Sumas Mountain through to Burns Bog. In 2007, the known Dun Skipper range extent was expanded to included two new valleys, Morris Valley and Nahatlatch Valley (Knopp et al. 2008). There are additional records throughout the Sunshine Coast to Powell River (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report). Description: Wingspan: mm. Males have a black blotch called a stigma (scent scale) on the forewings, and the area of wing attachment to the body is a darker brown than the outer wings. Females have small white cloudy spots on both the forewing and upper side of the hind wing, and the hind wing undersides have a pale purplish crescent. Eggs: Pale green, globular and smooth when initially laid on the host plant, but change to a reddish colour before hatching. Eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves and caterpillars hatch shortly thereafter and begin feeding. In September, caterpillars form rolled leaf shelter in which they overwinter. One brood per year. Caterpillars: Green body with fine wavy lines. A black vertical stripe surrounds the head Diet: Dun skipper larvae have a preferred taste for sedges, though the exact species are unknown (Guppy et al 1994). Adults utilize a range of flowering perennial and annual plants. Look s Like? The skippers are a diverse group in BC. Dun Skipper can be confused with the tawny-edged skipper where the two species overlap in the Chilcotin. However on the Coast Region to the untrained eye it may be confused with the introduced Essex Skipper, an introduction from Europe that has become very common, especially in urban areas. Primary Habitat Dun Skipper are primarily attracted to wet meadows, moist grassy openings and bogs. 1

2 Secondary Habitat: This species will utilize disturbed habitats such as roadside edges, constructed drainages, utility corridors and other habitats wet enough to support an abundance of sedges. typical foodplant. Brandegee s Desert Parsley (Lomatium brandegei) is possibly the only known host plant for Indra Swallowtail in Canada. Indra Swallowtail Distribution: Indra Swallowtail is only known on the Coast Region from the sub-alpine areas of Gibson and Allison Pass in Manning Provincial Park. One new occurrence has been documented in the Skagit Valley (Guppy et al 1994). Description: A small, recognizable species, this swallowtail is predominantly black and has short, almost non-existent tails on its hind wings. Diet: As a whole, larvae of Indra species feed on a range of preferred host plants of which several such as Biscuit Root are members of the parsley family. Brandegei's desert parsley is possibly the only known host plant for this species in Canada (Whaley 2008). Adults exploit a range of flowering plants found within their range. Look s Like? This dark, almost tailless swallowtail is not easily confused with others of its genus in BC and is mainly found at high elevations. However, for those not familiar with the various butterfly families, its dark colour in flight may be confused with the more common lowland Morning Cloak. Primary Habitat: The preferred larval host food plants for this species are found in sub-alpine meadows and high elevation habitats, areas where rocky outcroppings used by adults for courtship display can also be found. Secondary Habitat: The Indra has been found in the Skagit Valley indicating it can exploit lower elevation habitats where sufficient or preferred food sources can be found. typical foodplant. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is the primary host plant for Monarch Butterfly in BC. Monarch Distribution: Well known for its spectacular migration between breeding areas in the United States and Canada and overwintering sites in Mexico and California, Monarch Butterflies are more of an incidental species on the South Coast of BC. They occur sporadically in BC. On the South Coast, breeding has been observed near Lillooet (adults and larvae in numbers). Occurrence records indicate observations from the Lower Fraser Valley, the Pemberton area and the Vancouver area, mainly in conjunction with their larval food plant the showy milkweed (Guppy 1996). Description: Wingspan: mm. A large orange butterfly that flies with its wings held in a 'V' shape. Both sets of wings are heavily veined in black. Males have a black sex patch which females do not possess. While other butterfly group sin BC may have larvae difficult to differentiate, the monarch caterpillar is distinctive, ringed with black, yellow and white stripes. Diet: While this species will exploit a range of milkweeds in other areas of North America, here in BC (and primarily on the South Coast) it is limited to the showy milkweed sometimes planted as a garden ornamental. Look s Like? The Viceroy butterfly, found widely in North America is an evolved monarch mimic. However, it is now considered extirpated in BC (due to pesticide usage). The last collected specimen of the viceroy being from the Lillooet area in 1930 (MOE 2000). Primary Habitat: Limited to wherever the main food plant occurs, habitat ranges from dry interior areas in Lillooet to nearby valley bottoms.. Secondary Habitat: Urban gardens where the showy milkweed is propagated. 2

3 preferred foodplant. Garry Oak (Quercus garryana) at the northern end of its range in southern BC is the only known host plant for Propertius Duskywing larvae. Propertius Duskywing Distribution: Propertius Duskywing is known to occur in Garry oak and associated ecosystems and is relatively confined to the occurrence of Garry Oak on the southern portion of the Coast Region. This includes Southern Vancouver Island, Sumas Mountain and the Fraser Canyon on the Mainland. What are believed to be strays have been found at Vedder Crossing south of the Chilliwack area, north of Mount Currie near Pemberton, Hope and Ross Lake in the Skagit watershed (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report, E-Fauna BC). Description: Wingspan: 30 to 38 mm. A large species of Skipper butterfly, E. propertius is the largest Duskywing in BC. Adults are a brown to purplish dun colour with an array of spots across both sets of wings. Hind wings have a light leading edge, forewings are trimmed with a row of white spots. Species identification is best done through close up examination of the male s genitalia (Guppy et al 1998). The female has lighter coloured wings than the male with wing spots across the middle of both sets of wings being larger in the female. Males have characteristic costal folds (abdominal grooves) of this genus (Guppy 2001). Both sexes have distinctive hooked antennae. Diet In Canada, E. propertius' larvae only known food plant is Garry Oak. Adults exploit a range of flowering plants found in associated Garry Oak meadows including Camas, Vetch and Hooker s Onion. Look s Like? The only other Duskywing in BC occurs in the central interior. More common Coast Region species in the Skipper or Copper family could potentially be mistaken for this species. Primary Habitat: Open Gary Oak stands or mixed woodlands where Garry Oak occurs. Secondary Habitat: Little is known about the possible adaptation to other oak species or ecosystems. It has been reared from Coast Oak, a California species (Guppy et al 1998). Left: Adult and preferred host plant. This species larvae and adults exploit species in the Legume family such as Vetch (Astragalus sp.) and Lupine (Lupinis sp.). Western sulphur Distribution: The western sulphur has a limited occurrence on the Coast Region and is known only from the upper part of Fraser Canyon area (Guppy et al 1998). Description: Wingspan: mm. The upper side of the male is bright yellow with a wide black border. The female is paler yellow with a paler, blurry border. The underside of both sexes is dark yellow with a dusting of grey. The discal spot is white with a prominent pink rim, and there is usually a trace of sub-marginal spots. Diet: Host plants include a variety of native and introduced plants in the pea family including: Vetch, Peas and Lupines (Green et al 1998). Look s Like? Sulphurs are a large family with several representatives in BC. Closest look a-likes are Queen Alexandra's Sulphur, which has the outer third of its hindwing darker yellow than forewing and is greenish below. Clouded Sulphur has a row of dark spots on the underside of the hind and forewings and the silver spot in the center of the hindwing has a double pink rim. It is possible given the potential for misidentification that Western Sulphur may be more widely distributed on the Southern part of the Coast Region. Primary Habitat: Found in dry, open areas, particularly in and near Douglas-fir forests as well as meadows, and power-line cuts. Secondary Habitat: Due to its limited occurrence little is known of potential secondary habitats that this species may adapt to. One flight from May until early July 3

4 preferred larval host plant. Species like this Narrowleaf Plantain (Plantago laceolata) are a preferred food species for Checkerspot larvae. Edith's (Taylor s) Checkerspot Distribution: Known from west central Oregon, through Washington, to southern Vancouver Island in Canada (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report). The taylori is the only subspecies of Edith s Checkerspot in the Coast Region which historically occurred throughout Garry Oak and associated ecosystems on Vancouver Island and adjacent gulf islands. All but one of these populations has become extirpated - discovered in 2005 on Denman Island in a privately owned regenerating clearcut (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report, Hall 2009). Description: Wingspan: mm. Checkerspots are a group of butterflies in the true brushfoot butterfly subfamily - Nymphalinae, they get their name from their checkerboard wing pattern (Green Nature 2010). This is a bright, eye-catching butterfly with distinct and alternating bright red, orange and black bands on the wing uppersides. Wing undersides show a pattern of orange and white-checkered bands outlined with black and forming a stained glass appearance. Checkered bands are parallel to the black thorax and abdomen. Front wings have rounded tips. Males are slightly smaller than females. Larvae are black with dorsal and lateral orange bands, bristles cover the body and the base of each bristle is orange. Diet: The adult nectar source is Spring Gold, which prefers full sun and is recorded within oak woodland habitats with little disturbance. Additional nectar sources include strawberry, camas and sea blush. Larvae feed on plantain species though in spring they have also been reported on golden paintbrush and harsh paintbrush. Look s Like? The taylori subspecies is significantly different from the more common less colourful Edith s Checkerspot and is unlikely to be mistaken for another species. Primary Habitat: Open and dry lowland meadows with wildflowers and grasses especially those associated with open Garry Oak woodlands Secondary Habitat Fields, pastures and foothills. preferred larval host plant. Species in the Mustard family like this Field Mustard (Brassica rapa) even though introduced are key foodplants for both adults and larvae. (Island) Large Marble Distribution: Found in Garry oak and associated ecosystems. While this species has a strong association with Garry Oak and associated ecosystems they are usually not present where there has been extensive landscaping and cover removal in Garry Oak understories (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report). Description: Wingspan: mm Adults: A white and olive-grey butterfly with a marbled texture on the underside of the hindwings and black markings at the tips of the forewings. The veins on the hindwings are emphasized as yellowish lines, giving the species a marbled appearance. The sexes are similar but the females have darker yellowish marbling on the hindwings. The body is covered with whitish-yellow hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. Eggs: Eggs are at first blue-green, then turn orange within a day, and eventually bright red. Prior to hatching, the eggs turn a drab yellowish-brown. Eggs are laid singly on the stems, leaves or flowerheads of the larval foodplant. Larvae: When first hatched, larva have an overall orange-yellow coloured body and a black head. The caterpillars go through a series of moults and change from greenish to grey-green with a dotted strip of yellow and blue spots running lengthwise down the body. The ventral half of the body is a darker grey-green colour than the upper dorsal half. Just before pupation this strip of dots changes to a distinct line of yellowish spots coupled with light or dark purple spots. Island Large Marbles overwinter as pupae. Diet: Historically, larvae likely fed upon Hairy Rockcress and other plants in the Mustard family. In the San Juan Islands (US), adults have been observed laying eggs on patches of introduced Field Mustard, Tumble Mustard and Tall Peppergrass (WDFW 2010). Adult nectar plants exploited by San Juan populations include Chickweed and wild and introduced species in the Buttercup, Mustard and Geranium family (WDFW 2010) Look s Like? No other marble-type butterflies occur within this species range. Primary Habitat: Historical populations of the (Island) Large Marble occurred in open meadows and woodlands within Garry Oak woodlands and associated ecosystems. The larval food plants occur throughout southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and are widely distributed on the coast. This habitat includes rock slopes and native grasslands, notably areas with gravel soils, beaches and bluffs. (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report) 4

5 Secondary Habitat Disturbed sites and meadows where introduced larval and adult food plants may occur. preferred larval host plant. Dwarf Mistletoe (Arceuthobium sp.) is a parasitic plant that occurs on conifer species such as Western Hemlock. Johnson s Hairstreak Distribution: This species is known from locations within the Lower Mainland, one location in the Fraser Canyon (Spuzzum), one location in Nitinat, and a few locations on the east coast of Vancouver Island including Shawnigan Lake. Recent records from the Lower Mainland include Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Regional Park and Lynn Canyon Park on the Northshore of Burrard Inlet. Farther east this species has been documented in the University of B.C. s Haney Research Forest in Maple Ridge. This species may be more widely distributed in other preferred habitats (Mistletoe infected coniferous forests) but it has been difficult to study due to its arboreal preferences. Description: Wingspan: mm Adults: The wing undersides on both males and females are brown with a thin white jagged white line bordered with black on the inside edge running across both sets of wings. The wing uppersides on males are chocolate-brown (orange-brown by tail) and on females are red-brown (brown on margins and near the tail). The hind wing near the small tail has a few black dots and bluish and orange scales. Larva: Green or yellowish-olive with red, green, yellow, or white markings with lighter bumps down the dorsal edges. Diet: Larval food sources include all exposed plant parts of Mistletoe, especially Dwarf Mistletoe (often found on Western Hemlock). Adults exploit nectar on wildflowers growing in forest and riparian openings such as Oregon Grape, Salmonberry and Thimbleberry. Look s Like? Thicket Hairstreak is the most likely species to be confused with L. johnsoni. The main difference is the grey-blue colouration on the wing uppersides on the Thicket Hairstreak, which is distinct from the rusty brown or orange brown of Johnson s. Primary Habitat: Johnson s Hairstreak occurs within mistletoe-infected mature or old-growth forests which it needs to reproduce. Adults frequent forest openings, riparian areas and forest edges with abundant wildflowers. Secondary Habitat: Clearcut and artificial edge openings adjacent to forested habitats. Left: Adult male and female (dorsal view) wing patterns and preferred larval host plant. Springbank Clover (Trifolium wormskioldii) a short growing pink clover species appears to be the dominant foodplant for this species. (Island) Greenish Blue Distribution: The Greenish Blue and occurs as two subspecies in BC of which insulanus is the only one found on the BC Coast. It is limited to southern Vancouver Island (Saratoga Beach near Campbell River to Greater Victoria) with the most recent occurrences being from the late 1970 s (Mount Malahat, Mount Arrowsmith and Mount Finlayson). Although the subspecies has not been recorded since 1979, surveys of potential habitat are incomplete and unconfirmed sightings are periodically reported (MoE 2007). While it historically has been associated with lower elevation habitats all of the most recent occurrences have been in subalpine areas (MoE 2007) Description: Wingspan: mm Adults: The wing uppersides of the female are dark brown with a bluish metallic sheen and the hindwing margins have a row of black spots with orange caps. The undersides are pale tan to dark grey. The male has metallic blue wing uppersides and a row of dark spots on the hindwing margins. The undersides are bluish toward the base of the wings and gradually turn silver-grey toward the margins. Both wings have two rows of black spots. The hindwing has orange caps on the second row of spots that are directed toward a partial third row of spots. One spot along this row is distinctly larger. Both sexes have a distinct black bar in the forewing. Larvae: Reddish-brown or green. Diet: Larvae feed on native clovers (e.g. Springbank Clover), which are still relatively widespread. The insulanus species may also use Trefoil species a related member of the Pea family but this has not been documented (MoE 2007). While the non-coastal BC subspecies (P. s. amica) is known to readily use introduced non-native clovers in Ontario such as White and Alsike s Clover, it is unknown if the insulanus does as well (MoE 2007). Look s Like? Western Spring Azure is a widespread similar species. The wing undersides have a row of distinct black spots toward the outer margins. These spots are smaller and not as distinct as in Greenish Blue. Silvery Blue and Boisduval s Blue are also similar. However underwings of the Silvery Blue have distinct black spots. 5

6 Primary Habitat: This species is known to inhabit open areas and meadows including those associated with Garry Oak and subalpine slopes as well as bogs and sedge communities in close proximity to preferred Clover food plant species. Secondary Habitat: Disturbed sites where there are appropriate moisture conditions to sustain preferred Clover foodplant species. Critical Feature: The limiting factor for this species appears to be the presence of preferred food plants, especially native clovers in the Trifolium genus. Seasonal Life Cycle (general for most butterflies in BC) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Adults emerge Breeding / Egg Laying Larval development Pupation and/or larval hibernation Pupation and/or larval hibernation Timing of adult emergence, larval maturation, and pupation/hibernation are affected by temperature and elevation and vary by species and host plant growth periods. Some species can have two generations per season, and in the case of Monarch emerge, migrate, overwinter and return to reproduce for a second season. Habitat Guild: Based on availability of preferred larvae host food plants, the habitat guilds for butterflies of concern on the Coast Region can range from mature forest, disturbed edges, ornamental gardens, wetland-bog, low elevation and alpine wildflower meadow, Garry Oak woodlands and marine or alpine rocky bluffs and outcroppings. Threats Distribution coincides with areas undergoing significant urbanization and natural habitat loss. Direct mortality of larvae and/or host plant populations from recreation activities Infilling of wetlands, cultivation and landscaping disturbance of grasslands and meadows. Encroachment and replacement of native foodplants from introduced ornamental and invasive plant species. Application of non-discriminating pesticides through cosmetic or industrial use. Wildfire suppression which inhibits conditions conducive to maintaining host plants and adult food plants. Succession of Garry Oak grassland and meadows to coniferous forest Clearing/harvesting of mature coniferous forest for development, resource use and pest management. Collection of specimens by the public. Key Conservation & Management Objectives Determine and record exact locations and habitats of individuals or populations, threats and possible population and habitat trends. Determine possible barriers or conflicts to host plant/habitat conservation where such species may be classified as noxious weeds or pest plants by other agencies, organizations. Work to reduce the need for industrial and cosmetic pesticide use through broader application of integrated pest management programs. Assess habitat suitability, particularly the identification and extent of larval and adult host plants. If host plants occur in sufficient densities - assume the species to be present in that area and implement protective measures. Direct developments and away from suitable habitat through appropriate land use planning or land use practices. Increase awareness about the sensitivity and value that host plant associations provide to other species including important commercial pollinators such as bees. Sightings, specimens, or observations of activities threatening habitat should be reported to the regional Species at Risk Biologist at the Ministry of Environment office. Work with forestry, transportation, utility and agricultural representatives to control invasive plants and implement integrated pest management practices. Encourage landowners and land use authorities to dedicate conservation covenants and cultivation/vegetation management easements to protect host plant associations. Rehabilitate important and potential new habitats through native host plant enhancement and land reclamation. Consider implementation of controlled burning (where feasible) to induce natural processes and maintain host plant associations. Main References/Literature Cited: Butterflies of British Columbia. Guppy, C.S. and J.H. Shepard, UBC Press. Southern Vancouver Island Butterflies Jeff Green and Anne Huang. Student paper on-line through the Royal BC Museum. Vaughan, and S. H. Black (Eds). Red List of Pollinator Insects of North America. Euphydryas editha taylori CD-ROM Version 1 (May 2005). Rare Butterflies of Southeastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Ministry of Environment Hall, P.W Sentinels on the Wing: The Status and Conservation of Butterflies in Canada. NatureServe Canada. Ottawa, Ontario 68 p. Vernon, S San Juan Nature Notebook in the San Juan Islander. Washington State. Garry Oak Invertebrates Recovery Implementation Group Recovery strategy for the Greenish Blue insulanus subspecies (Plebejus saepiolus insulanus) in British Columbia. Prepared for the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. 13pp. Green Nature Online: Accessed June 2010 Develop With Care: Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia. Canadian Biodiversity information facility Monarch Watch: Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team: BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BC Conservation Data Center Summary Report) NatureServe Explorer - 6

7 Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada: Images: Alpine meadow: Pamela Zevit Mixed grassland: USDA Sedge wetland meadow: USFWS Garry Oak meadow: Trinity Western University Sitka Sedge: Jamie Fenneman Brandegee s Desert Parsley: Ben Legler Garry Oak: Wikipedia Showy Milkweed: J.S. Peterson Vetch: Karen Birch Lupine: Nancy Heise Narrowleaf Plantain: Jef Taylor Field Mustard: Wikipedia Dwarf Mistletoe: USFWS Springbank Clover: Dean William Taylor Dun Skipper: Frank Model (adult), Lee Ruth (larva) Indra Swallowtail 9adult & larva): Wayne Whaley Monarch (adult & larva): Mike Pearson Propertius Duskywing: Rod Gilbert (adult), Devin Methven (larva) Western Sulphur: Rod Gilbert (Taylor s) Edith s Checkerpsot: Paul M. Severns (adult) Woodland Park Zoo Oregon (larva) (Island) Large Marble (adult & larva): J. Miskelly Johnson s Hairstreak (adult & larva): David Nunnallee (Island) Greenish Blue: Jennifer Heron 7