Overview:  Historically, this species was found along the Pacific coasts of southern Washington and northern Oregon.  Today, populations of the Oregon silverspot butterfly within Washington have been extirpated.  This medium sized butterfly is reliant on coastal salt-spray meadows and other open fields where the climate is characterized by mild temperatures, heavy rainfall, and fog.  The most important feature of the habitat is the presence of the western blue violet (Viola adunca), which is the essential food source for silverspot larvae.  This habitat is rare due to invasive vegetation and development.  Currently, the WDFW (Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) is working to re-build lost habitat by transplanting nursery violets into appropriate coastal sites.  The goal is to begin to reintroduce the silverspot into these areas but this cannot occur until critical habitat has been restored. For more information on this species and reintroduction plans check out the WDFW page @ http://www.wa.gov:80/wdfw/wlm/diversty/soc/osbutter.htm
 

Distribution: Oregon silverspot populations are believed to be currently extinct within Washington State.  Small numbers are still found in Oregon and according to WDFW, with the reintroduction of the western blue violet (Viola adunca) into damaged habitat, populations will return to Washington State.