Island Marble Butterfly: A Rare Jewel Of The California Channel Islands
The Island Marble Butterfly (Euchloe insularis) is a rare butterfly found exclusively on the California Channel Islands. Restricted to open grasslands and coastal sage scrub, its geographic isolation has driven its unique adaptations. With a wingspan of 2-3 cm, the butterfly exhibits marbled white and gray wing patterns. Its life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, with adults feeding on nectar from flowering plants. The species faces threats from predators, habitat loss, and climate change. Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, conservation efforts are vital for its protection and the preservation of its unique ecological role within the island ecosystems.
