photo credit - Willamette Valley Fender's Blue Butterfly, USFWS - Pacific Region, Flickr, (CC By-NC 2.0)
Icaricia icarioides fenderi
In 2023, Fender’s blue butterfly (FBB) was reclassified from endangered to threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. FBB has critical habitat within Polk County and surrounding counties of Polk SWCD's properties, Cornerstone and Smithfield Oaks. While individuals have been sighted, no populations have been found at Cornerstone, but oak savanna and woodland are strongly associated with the host plant species Kincaid’s lupine and Polk County is the home to some of the largest populations of Fender’s remaining within the designated recovery plan area from Douglas County north through the valley and slightly into Lewis County Washington. This lupine species (also listed) is the primary plant, along with sickle-keeled lupine that Fender’s will lay eggs on and is critical for existing populations to persist and expand. Ideal Fender’s habitat includes large populations of nectar producing forbs to support the lifecycle needs of Fender’s blue butterfly. Fender’s will travel around 1.2 miles from home population area; existing populations are very close to this estimated range limit to Cornerstone and habitat management prioritizes the desire to support Fender’s, should they colonize the site.
Life Cycle and identification
How can you help?
You can help by increasing native plant habitat on your own land. FBB is strongly associated with Kincaid's lupine. You can purchase these plants from our annual native plant sale or contact a local native seed grower.
