See Spot Fly: New Story Map Takes Flight with One Very Rare Butterfly

Join the journey of a tiny Oregon silverspot butterfly to see how partnership puts the wind beneath their wings

By Amanda Smith, public affairs officer, Pacific Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Fear not little Spot! Partners have been making news headlines this year and last year with their collaborative conservation efforts. USFWS Graphic

Meet Spot. He is a tiny Oregon silverspot butterfly caterpillar facing big challenges. Predation, lack of food, disappearing habitat — the struggle is real for this little guy.

Spot’s story begins decades ago when the Oregon silverspot butterfly fluttered over a range of coastal prairies and mountain meadows. Unfortunately, these habitats have been in rapid decline for decades. Spot and his family have been wiped out from at least 11 colonies along the West Coast.

Currently, this butterfly inhabits just 4 locations in Oregon and 1 in California. A limited flight range of 4 miles makes this territory seem even smaller.

Boots on the ground: People power conservation and volunteers and staff from every level come together to get the job done at places like Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon where they dig into planting projects to ensure food for the silverspot. USFWS Photos: Patrick Stark

Fortunately for Spot and his friends, there are many federal, state, non profit, and volunteer partners getting their hands dirty to help the Oregon silverspot recover from the brink of extinction. Come along with Spot on his transformational journey and learn how many hands (and even a few paws) are helping him overcome obstacles to take flight in future generations!

Soar along with Spot in this interactive story map!

(Adult silverspot butterfly. USFWS photo: Peter Pearsall)

Get to know more of our Pacific Region story by checking out this awesome virtual tour of our work and the people that power conservation!

We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you to all our partnership in conservation! USFWS Graphic