Oregon Silverspot Butterfly
Oregon Silverspot Butterfly is recognizable by an orange-brown fritillary with dark spots above and bright silver spots beneath the hindwing.
Artwork inspired by Lucinda Parker
Oregon Silverspot Butterfly survives in wind-exposed coastal grasslands where early blue violet feeds the caterpillars. Adults are orange-brown fritillaries with dark marks above and bright silver spots beneath the hindwing, but worn individuals require careful comparison.
Remaining colonies and restoration areas are tightly managed. Observe adults from established routes during the July–September flight season, include the violet-rich grassland in photographs, and send sensitive locations privately to conservation staff.
- Primary range
- Oregon
- Habitat
- wind-exposed coastal grasslands where early blue violet supports caterpillars
- Status
- Threatened
Quick guide
- Initial check
- An orange-brown fritillary with dark spots above and bright silver spots beneath the hindwing
- Best window
- July–September along established routes through intact coastal meadow
A low-impact field sequence for Oregon Silverspot Butterfly
- Begin with form
- On an established Oregon Coast route, begin with the orange-brown upperwings and dark fritillary markings.
- Require another mark
- Confirm the silver hindwing spots rather than repeat the orange upperwing pattern.
- Place the observation
- During the July–September flight season, photograph the surrounding wind-exposed coastal grassland and any early blue violet without leaving the path.
- Protect subject and habitat
- Photograph Oregon Silverspot Butterfly where it settles; do not collect it, chill it, bait it, or rearrange its perch.
Good to know
Oregon Silverspot colonies and restored coastal grasslands are tightly managed. Remain on established routes, avoid early blue violet patches, and send colony coordinates privately to conservation staff instead of geotagging a public photograph.
Notice these
- An orange-brown fritillary with dark spots above and bright silver spots beneath the hindwing
- wind-exposed coastal grasslands where early blue violet supports caterpillars
- July–September during the coastal flight season