Great Spangled Fritillary – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Great Spangled Fritillary
Species Scientific Name Speyeria cybele

Ecoregions

West Cascades

The West Cascades ecoregion extends from east of the Cascade Mountains summit to the foothills of the Willamette, Umpqua, and Rogue Valleys, and spans the entire length of the state of Oregon. It is largely dominated by conifer forests, moving into alpine parklands and dwarf shrubs at higher elevations.

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.

Special needs

Great spangled fritillaries feed strictly on violets (mostly on Viola glabella in western Oregon).

Limiting factors

A primary threat to these butterflies is loss of suitable habitat and associated host plants.

Data gaps

Assess distribution and determine range throughout Oregon.

Conservation actions

Protect locations of preferred host plants. Manage meadows to reduce conifer encroachment. Maintain hydrology at known sites of occurrence.