San Francisco Silverspot Butterfly

This endangered subspecies occurs in only two grasslands spots in the San Francisco Bay Area, near Oakland and on San Bruno Mountain. Its native region is now extensively developed and heavily populated, leaving the butterfly endangered. Loss of habitat is the primary cause of endangerment. Any native grassland that remains in the butterfly’s habitat is currently disappearing due to varied causes, including development, off-road vehicles, and invasive plants. Yellow pansy populations will suffer under either very intense grazing that removes most vegetation (including the pansy), or undergrazing in which non-native grasses are allowed to grow tall and dense.

This subspecies was listed as a federal endangered species in 1997. California does not list insects as state endangered species.

Ten percent from the sale of this original work donated to WWF.

From the series: Endangered Species: A Tribute to Andy Warhol