The eastern regal fritillary butterfly, once a vibrant presence across the eastern United States, now hovers on the brink of extinction. Its last refuge, a 250-acre preserve within the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center in Pennsylvania, is the only place east of the Mississippi River where this species still survives¹.

This butterfly, similar in size to the monarch but distinguished by its dark hindwings, depends on a specific habitat for survival. Native violets are the only food source for its caterpillars, while the adult butterflies rely on nectar from various flowers, sometimes traveling up to 100 miles to find it². The carefully managed grasslands at Fort Indiantown Gap provide the conditions necessary for the butterfly’s life cycle, but even this sanctuary is not immune to the threats that have devastated the fritillary’s population elsewhere.

Threats to Survival

The eastern regal fritillary’s habitat has been dramatically reduced due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and the encroachment of invasive species. Climate change exacerbates these threats by altering the bloom times of violets and other plants crucial to the butterfly’s survival³. The fragile balance at Fort Indiantown Gap is constantly at risk from these environmental changes, making the survival of this butterfly increasingly precarious.

Military activities at the base, while carefully managed to protect the butterflies, also pose risks. Although the base has implemented conservation measures, the presence of military vehicles and training exercises could inadvertently damage the butterfly’s fragile habitat⁴.

Why Conservation Matters

The eastern regal fritillary is not just a beautiful species on the verge of disappearing; it is a vital part of the ecosystem. Butterflies like the regal fritillary play a critical role as pollinators, and their decline could have cascading effects on the environment. The loss of this species would not only mean the extinction of a unique and irreplaceable butterfly but also a significant blow to the health and diversity of our natural world⁵.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed listing the eastern regal fritillary as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This designation would provide the butterfly with the protections and resources needed to prevent further decline and support ongoing conservation efforts⁶.

Act Now to Protect the Regal Fritillary

Time is running out for the eastern regal fritillary. The public comment period for the USFWS’s proposal is open, and your voice can make a difference. By supporting this proposal and calling for greater conservation efforts, we can help ensure that the last remaining population of this butterfly continues to survive and thrive.

This is not just about saving a single species—it is about preserving the balance of our ecosystems and protecting the natural heritage that sustains us all. The regal fritillary’s story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of taking action before it’s too late.

Join us in the fight to save the eastern regal fritillary. Sign the petition today and help secure a future where this remarkable butterfly can continue to grace our skies.

More on this issue:

1. Amy Worden, PennLive (6 July 2023), "Rare butterflies bloom amid the booms on Pa. military base."
2. Michael Tanenbaum, PhillyVoice (13 July 2024), "Rare butterfly, found only on a Pa. military base, could join federal list of endangered species."
3. Joanna Zhang, Jess Tyler, WildEarth Guardians (6 August 2024), "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes endangered and threatened status for eastern and western regal fritillary butterflies."
4. Frank Kummer, The Philadelphia Inquirer (14 August 2024), "Rare butterfly only found on Pa. military base should be listed as endangered, feds say."
5. Amy Worden, PennLive (6 August 2024), "Rare insect that calls central Pa. military base home is poised to make endangered list."
6. Joe Szuszwalak, Leah Riley, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (5 August 2024), "USFWS proposes ESA protections for both subspecies of regal fritillary butterfly."