Xerces blue facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Xerces blue |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Samples of the extinct Glaucopsyche xerces butterfly in the collections of the Field Museum of Natural History | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Glaucopsyche
|
| Species: |
xerces
|
The Xerces blue (Glaucopsyche xerces) was a type of butterfly that is now extinct. It belonged to the family of butterflies known as gossamer-winged butterflies, or Lycaenidae. These beautiful butterflies once lived in the sandy coastal areas of the Sunset District in San Francisco.
The Xerces blue is sadly known as the first American butterfly species to disappear because of habitat loss. This loss was caused by cities growing and taking over the butterfly's natural home. The very last Xerces blue butterfly was seen in 1941 or 1943. It was spotted on land that is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Contents
About the Xerces Blue
The Xerces blue butterfly was first officially described in 1852. It had striking blue wings with clear white spots. These butterflies fed on plants from the Lotus and Lupinus groups.
What They Ate
The main reason the Xerces blue butterfly died out was the loss of its food plants. The butterfly's young, called larvae (caterpillars), needed the Lotus plant to grow. However, human development changed the soil, and the Lotus plant could no longer survive there. This meant the Xerces blue caterpillars had nothing to eat. While they could also eat Lupin plants, these were not suitable for the caterpillars to fully develop.
Where to Find Specimens
Even though the Xerces blue butterfly is extinct, you can still see preserved examples of them. These specimens are kept in museums and collections. You can find them at the California Academy of Sciences, the Bohart Museum of Entomology, and the Harvard Museum of Natural History.
Efforts to Help Related Butterflies
Scientists and conservation groups are working hard to bring back similar butterflies to the Xerces blue's old home.
Palos Verdes Blue
One example is the Palos Verdes blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis). This butterfly is like a cousin to the Xerces blue and lives near Los Angeles. Scientists are raising these butterflies in special labs. The goal is to release them into the wild and help their populations grow.
New Discoveries
A new type of silvery blue butterfly (Glaucopsyche lygdamus) has also been found. This new subspecies looks a lot like the extinct Xerces blue. These discoveries offer hope for understanding and protecting other rare butterflies.
The Xerces Society
An important group that works to protect endangered invertebrates (animals without backbones) is named after this butterfly. This group is called the Xerces Society. The name "Xerces" comes from the French spelling of "Xerxes." This was the Greek name for two famous Persian kings from ancient times, Xerxes I and Xerxes II.
Images for kids
-
Specimens in California Academy of Sciences
See also
In Spanish: Xerces azul para niños
