Rarely observed and exquisitely specialized, the federally endangered Myrtle Silverspot butterfly’s life cycle is bound to one plant alone—the Western dog violet (Viola adunca). Juvenile Myrtle Silverspot insects live on and around the dog violet plants in grasslands in the fall and winter and emerge in late spring. Better understanding the range of the dog violet host plant within the Myrtle Silverspot’s habitat is crucial for its survival.

In collaboration with the Point Reyes National Seashore Association and Baxter Botanical volunteers are invited to help census the Western dog violet populations in Point Reyes National Seashore during the months of April and May 2026. Data will help further understand the Myrtle Silverspot butterfly habitat needs and further protect this cryptic endangered species. Bring your smartphones to help us map!

Meeting locations will vary around Bull Point – North Beach. Please sign up in advance for more information.

Viola adunca photo credit: Tanya Baxter

Myrtle silverspot caterpillar photo credit: Oregon Zoo

Myrtle silverspot butterfly photo credit: David Kelly, USFWS