The rarest butterfly in the world is the Lotis blue (Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis). This beautiful butterfly is extremely rare and can only be found in a few specific locations. Its rarity is due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as its specific ecological requirements.
The Lotis blue is a subspecies of the silver-bordered blue butterfly (Lycaeides argyrognomon), which is found in North America. However, the Lotis blue has a very limited distribution and is only found in certain areas of the United States. It is known to occur in a few locations in California, Oregon, and Washington.
One of the main reasons for the rarity of the Lotis blue is its dependence on a specific host plant for its larvae. The butterfly lays its eggs on the leaves of the Lupinus lotis plant, which is a rare and threatened species itself. The larvae then feed on the leaves of this plant, making it essential for the butterfly’s survival. As the Lupinus lotis plant becomes increasingly scarce, the population of the Lotis blue also declines.
Another factor contributing to the rarity of the Lotis blue is its specialized habitat requirements. This butterfly is typically found in grasslands and open meadows with specific soil and vegetation characteristics. These habitats have been greatly reduced due to human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and the spread of invasive species. As a result, the suitable habitat for the Lotis blue has become increasingly fragmented and limited in extent.
The Lotis blue is not the only rare butterfly in the world. Other examples include the Schaus swallowtail (Heraclides aristodemus ponceanus), which is found in southern Florida, and Lange’s metalmark (Apodemia mormo langei), which is found in a small area of California. The Palos Verdes blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis) is another incredibly rare butterfly, with a population restricted to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California.
The Lotis blue is considered the rarest butterfly in the world due to its limited distribution, specialized habitat requirements, and dependence on a threatened host plant. However, it is important to note that rarity can be subjective and influenced by factors such as conservation efforts and population monitoring. The conservation of these rare butterflies and their habitats is crucial to ensure their survival and prevent their extinction.