Curiously isolated hairstreak butterfly
Waterton Lakes National Park
The curiously isolated hairstreak butterfly is literally one-of-a-kind. This small, brown butterfly exists only here in Waterton Lakes National Park on a grassland area known as the Blakiston Fan.
This endangered butterfly has black spots with white rings around them on its wings. Male curiously isolated hairstreaks have a wingspan of approximately 25 mm (about the size of a loonie). Females have larger and paler wings than males.
The curiously isolated hairstreak's eggs are greenish white, and the caterpillar is light green with whitish lateral chevrons and a dark brown head.
What’s in a name
It was recently discovered to be genetically unique and was renamed the curiously isolated hairstreak (Satyrium curiosolus). This butterfly was previously thought to be a subspecies of the half-moon hairstreak butterfly (Satyrium semilunar).
Genetic testing completed in cooperation with Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo discovered it is no longer considered to be a population of half-moon hairstreak butterflies. This species has been cut off ecologically and genetically from its closest relatives for 40,000 years.
Unlike other species of hairstreaks, this butterfly depends on a particular host plant - silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus) and has a mutually beneficial relationship with a specific ant species, the Lasius ponderosae.
Protecting the curiously isolated hairstreak butterfly
Transcript
SOS! Half-moon hairstreak butterfly in distress!
The half-moon hairstreak and its habitat are protected under the Species at Risk Act
In Alberta, Waterton Lakes National Park is the only place where the half-moon hairstreak butterfly exists
It lives on a floodplain known as the Blakiston Fan
The area is threatened by natural disturbances
And invasive plants
Parks Canada and the Calgary Zoo are working together
To protect and restore the half-moon hairstreak population
Teams use monitoring, habitat restoration and research to understand the butterfly’s life cycle
These research methods play a crucial role in the butterfly’s survival
The half-moon hairstreak depends on some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the park
It relies on native plants like lupines for food and a safe place to reproduce
Half-moon hairstreaks are important to the ecosystem
Both as a prey species and as a pollinator
Butterflies are important indicators of a healthy habitat
They are beautiful and fascinating insects to observe
Each summer, Parks Canada shares the story of the half-moon hairstreak with visitors
By staying on paths and not trampling on plants
And by cleaning equipment such as boots and bikes to prevent the spread of invasive plants
You help protect the half-moon hairstreak butterfly!
A special thank you to the Calgary Zoo for collaborating on this project and providing footage.
Species at risk
Butterflies are important to the ecosystem, both as a prey species and a pollinator. A diverse population of butterflies can indicate that an ecosystem is healthy and flourishing. In 2006, this butterfly was listed as an endangered species under the Species at Risk Act.
Natural disasters such as floods and fires can be devastating to this isolated population. The butterfly's only known home, The Blakiston Fan, is a geologic landform called an alluvial fan. This area is a dry grassland and has quickly draining soil but remains subject to flooding. The fan was listed as Critical Habitat in 2016.
Species at risk in Waterton Lakes National Park
A 2018 survey indicated the Waterton Lakes population of the curiously isolated hairstreak butterfly has experienced a serious decline.
The decline may be due to habitat destruction caused by invasive plants like spotted knapweed, which compete with native plants, necessary for the butterfly’s survival.
Natural disasters such as floods and fires can also be devastating to this isolated population.
Wild about wildflowers
Wildflowers are important to all stages of the curiously isolated hairstreak's life.
Silky and silvery lupine wildflower species are essential for breeding. Curiously isolated hairstreaks lay eggs by these flowers in the summer months. When the caterpillars hatch the following spring, their main food source is that same lupine.
Caterpillars transform and emerge as adult butterflies, living only for six to 14 days. Males are more active than females, spending their lives searching for a mate.
What Parks Canada is doing to help the curiously isolated hairstreak
Parks Canada and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo are working together on a program to conserve and restore the curiously isolated hairstreak and to understand this small insect and what will best help it survive.
This program will improve understanding of the secretive life history of the curiously isolated hairstreak - to better observe the butterfly’s different life stages, survival rates, behaviour and how they interact with other species. This will help determine conservation actions and management practices.
Other conservation actions include assessing and restoring the butterfly’s habitat, and managing invasive plants.
Watch more from the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo: Wilder Side Pollinators
How you can help
PlayCleanGo: Ensuring your gear (boots, bikes, and backpacks) and pets are free of plant matter and mud before arriving in the park, help prevent the spread of invasive plants and animals.
Leave No Trace: Stay on roads, paths and marked trails when hiking, taking extra care to not crush or pick any plants.
Volunteer: Become a habitat hero! Volunteer to help remove harmful invasive plants from Waterton.
Related links
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