A subspecies of butterfly found only in three states — including Colorado — is likely in danger of extinction because of climate change, habitat loss and livestock grazing, federal wildlife officials said Wednesday.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it has listed the silverspot butterfly as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act, a status short of “endangered” that grants new protections to the subspecies. The protections apply to 10 known populations of butterflies found in southwestern Colorado, northern New Mexico and eastern Utah.
“While the silverspot butterfly is not in immediate danger of extinction, the best available scientific information indicates that it is likely in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future,” federal officials said in a news release.
Silverspot butterflies have distinctive silvery-white spots on the underside of their wings, which can span up to 3 inches. The subspecies lives in moist, open meadows at elevations between 5,200 and 8,300 feet.
The greatest threats to the subspecies include habitat loss due to development, climate change and overgrazing.
For example, the development of golf courses and housing in Durango eradicated two previous populations of the subspecies in the area, according to an analysis by the Fish and Wildlife Service.
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