Endangered Insects
Endangered insects in the Alameda Creek watershed
Bay Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis)
Status: Federally threatened
Habitats: Native grasslands with serpentine
soils and host plants on which the caterpillars feed. Main host plant is
dwarf plantain, but larvae also may live on purple owls clover or
Indian paintbrush.
Threats: Urban development, pesticides,
nitrogen deposition, overgrazing, global warming, and air pollution
Locations in Alameda Creek watershed: Suitable
serpentine habitat occurs in the upper watershed, but historic populations
appear to have been eliminated
Center for Biological Diversity information page on Bay Checkerspot Butterfly
Fact Sheet from the EPA about Bay Checkerspot Butterfly
Callippe Silverspot Butterfly (Speyeria callippe callippe)
Status: Federally endangered
Habitats: Native grasslands with the native
violet, Johnny jump-up as larval food plant
Threats: Habitat loss from development,
off-road vehicles and invasive plants; over-grazing by livestock or spread
of non-native grasses
Locations in Alameda Creek watershed: Small
populations thought to remain in Livermore Valley and Happy Valley
Butterfly Conservation Initiative information page on Callippe Silverspot Butterfly