‘Curiously isolated’ butterfly species discovered in Waterton Lakes National Park
Tucked away in the serene landscapes of Waterton Lakes National Park, a remarkable discovery has been made. What was once believed to be just a population of half-moon hairstreak butterflies has now been identified as a distinct species known as Satyrium curiosolus, or the curiously isolated hairstreak. This newly recognized pollinator calls the Blakiston Fan its home, a vast prairie-grassland area within the park that spans approximately 300 hectares. What sets this species apart is its unique genetic and ecological makeup, which sets it apart from its closest relatives in British Columbia and Montana, more than 450 kilometers away.
The groundbreaking research, published in the biodiversity journal ZooKeys, sheds light on the evolution and conservation of the curiously isolated hairstreak. Dr. Zachary MacDonald, co-first author of the study, emphasizes the importance of understanding the implications of this discovery for the species’ conservation. With the help of genomic tools, the researchers were able to analyze the DNA sequences of the butterflies from the Blakiston Fan, revealing their genetic isolation dating back as far as 40,000 years.
Dr. James Glasier, a conservation population ecologist and co-author of the study, highlights the uniqueness of the curiously isolated hairstreak as an endemic species to Alberta and Canada. While visually similar to the half-moon hairstreak, this new species has distinct ecological dependencies, such as the silvery lupine plant as its host for larvae development.
The use of genomics in this research has provided valuable insights into the genetic diversity and inbreeding patterns of the curiously isolated hairstreak. Despite its small effective population size, the species has managed to survive through slow inbreeding, eliminating harmful genes over time. This genetic resilience is crucial for the butterfly’s ability to adapt to environmental changes, especially in the face of threats like invasive species and climate change.
Conserving the endangered curiously isolated hairstreak poses challenges for researchers and conservationists. The species’ low genetic diversity raises concerns about its long-term survival, prompting efforts to monitor and protect the population in the face of environmental threats. Initiatives such as captive rearing and habitat restoration are being explored to ensure the species’ survival and promote population growth in the future.
As the Wilder Institute and Parks Canada work together to safeguard this unique butterfly species, the puzzle of conservation continues to unfold. With optimism and determination, researchers are committed to finding innovative solutions to protect the curiously isolated hairstreak and preserve its place in the delicate ecosystem of Waterton Lakes National Park.
