Leona’s Little Blue Butterfly – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Sarina Jepson, The Xerces Society

Overview

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

Ecoregions

East Cascades

The East Cascade ecoregion extends from the Cascade Mountains’ summit east to the warmer, drier high desert and down the length of the state. This ecoregion varies dramatically from its cool, moist border with the West Cascades ecoregion to its dry eastern border, where it meets sagebrush desert landscapes.

West Cascades

The West Cascades ecoregion extends from east of the Cascade Mountains summit to the foothills of the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys, and spans the entire length of the state of Oregon. It is largely dominated by conifer forests, moving into alpine parklands and dwarf shrubs at higher elevations.

Special needs

This species occurs in only one known location globally: approximately six square miles of ash-pumice habitat with spurry buckwheat located southeast of Crater Lake, OR.

Limiting factors

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

Data gaps

Determine population age structure, stability, and potential for persistence.

Conservation actions

Maintain and restore existing habitat with appropriate host and nectar plants.