Boston University-Callippe Silverspot Butterfly

archived

Species and subspecies within the genus Speyeria exhibit remarkable diversity in wing patter, coloration, and size, but this diversity is threatened and several Pacific Northwest species are endangered. In the San Francisco Bay Area, the callippe silverspot butterfly (Speyeria callippe callippe) is listed as a federally endangered species. The range of the callippe silverspot is bounded by two other subspecies (S. c. liliana and S. c. comstocki) and areas of possible introgression exist. Due to the morphological similarity of the adults, it can be difficult to visually distinguish the populations that are the nominate callippe from populations of the other two taxa or those that may be composed of hybrids. A genetic examination of subspecies and populations may provide necessary information needed for effective recovery of the callippe silverspot butterfly.

High