El Segundo Blue Butterfly Season Is Here
You’ve probably heard of monarch butterflies, but have you ever seen an El Segundo blue butterfly? Thanks to conservation efforts, this endangered insect, unique to the Southern California South Bay region, can still be seen today, but only for a limited time in the South Bay.
Looking for fun family activities this summer? Sign up for our newsletter and get it all delivered to your inbox, or check out our events calendar.
El Segundo Blue Butterflies
In 1976, the El Segundo blue butterfly was officially declared an endangered species, becoming the second insect species to receive this designation under the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Thanks to the efforts of many, including the South Bay Parkland Conservancy, many volunteers, schools, teachers, students and organizations over the years have contributed to this effort, not to mention UCLA, Urban Wildlands and the SEA Lab and LACC., this rare species now has the expansion of protected natural habitat in the South Bay.
El Segundo Blue butterflies, also known as Euphilotes allyni, are single-brood butterflies, which means that they only reproduce once a year within a specific time window. To reproduce successfully, the species needs a particular plant, specifically the sea-cliff buckwheat, which grows along local sand dunes and cliffs from the Ballona Wetlands to Point Vicente.
These tiny butterflies typically measure less than an inch in size. The males’ upper wings are deep blue, while the females’ wings are chocolate brown. Both males and females feature an orange hind wing and underwing markings of square spots.
When to Spot the El Segundo Blue Butterfly
The new generation of El Segundo butterflies emerge from their chrysalis each summer when the sea-cliff buckwheat plants are in bloom. Once they appear, they will mate and start the reproduction process again. During this short window, from late June to early July, you can spot these tiny butterflies in their natural habitat.
Where to Look for El Segundo Blue Butterflies
The El Segundo Blue butterfly should be easy to spot along the sandy beaches where sea-cliff buckwheat plants grow, such as Redondo, Torrance, and Dockweiler beaches.
It’s essential to remember that these beautiful creatures are still endangered, and while they are exciting to watch, they must be protected. When exploring any butterfly zone, it’s critical to be mindful of where you are stepping and ensure that no sea-cliff buckwheat plants or the surrounding areas are disturbed or trampled.
How You Can Help
The South Bay Parkland Conservancy is committed to preserving and expanding the El Segundo Blue Butterfly habitat. They are always looking for volunteers to help with habitat restoration and more. You can find out more about volunteer opportunities here. You can also join them on an educational walk.
You can also help by creating an El Segundo blue habitat in your own backyard, or at your school, or other local community space. Learn more about the plants needed and how to grow and care for them on the El Segundo Blue Coalition’s website. Avoiding the use of chemicals to kill weeds and bugs, as well as removing non-native invasive plant species can also help.
You can learn more about the South Bay Parkland Conservancy and its efforts to support natural wildlife and restore native habitats in the South Bay via its website. Check out their video below for more information on the El Segundo Blue butterfly:
Stay in the know by signing up for our newsletter, joining our Facebook group, and following us on Instagram.
RELATED STORIES:
12 Places to See Monarch Butterflies in Southern California
The Best Parks & Playgrounds in the South Bay – Los Angeles
