Oregon Silverspot Butterfly

(Speyeria zerene hippolyta)


Oregon Silverspot Butterfly IUCN NOT EVALUATED (NE)


Facts about this animal

The Oregon Silverspot is a member of the family Nymphalidae. Its wingspan is 27 mm for males and 29 mm for females. The Silverspot has orange and brown markings with black veins and spots on the dorsal side of the wings, and bright metallic silver spots on the ventral sides. The adults fly from early June to early September. Larvae overwinter.

The Oregon Silverspot is listed as a threatened species under the United States Endangered Species Act. Development, grazing, off-road vehicles, changes in fire regime, introduced plant species and pesticides threaten the habitat of this butterfly. There are only eight remaining locations where suitable habitat and the Silverspot occur.

Did you know?
that the Oregon silverspot butterfly's population has been declining because its preferred food plant is disappearing? This is the early blue, or dog, violet that is becoming rare as its habitat is gobbled up by development.


Name (Scientific) Speyeria zerene hippolyta
Name (English) Oregon Silverspot Butterfly
Name (Spanish) Mariposa manchaplateada de Oregón
CITES Status Not listed
CMS Status Not listed



Photo Copyright by
Walther Siegmund



Range USA (Oregon)
Habitat Conifer forests, sagebrush, coastal meadows and dunes. The Oregon Silverspot requires a meadow species of violet (Viola adunca) to complete its development.
Wild population Unknown
Zoo population None reported to ISIS

In the Zoo

How this animal should be transported

For air transport of caterpillars, Container Note 63 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed. There is no Container Requirement for pupae.


Find this animal on ZooLex

Why do zoos keep this animal

The Oregon silverspot butterfly has undergone severe declines due to loss of habitat, and has been declared a federally thgreatened species in 1980. Zoos therefore engage in conservation breeding with a view of reintroducing the species to suitable sites.