The Palos Verdes blue butterfly is among the world's rarest. It's native to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in southwest Los Angeles County, California, the United States. Due to habitat destruction, the population of Palos Verdes blue butterfly has decreased sharply. The little marvel of nature only feeds on two plants: locoweed and common deer weed, which are also disappearing due to recreational, commercial, or residential development projects in the area. Currently, much effort has been applied to saving the species. In 2020, about 1,000 Palos Verdes blue butterflies were released in the Palos Verdes Peninsula, their natural habitat, hoping they could start to reproduce on their own. Here are some photos of these little wonders of nature. 

About Butterfly World

Butterfly is one of the most beautiful insects, known as "flying flower" and the "beauty of the insect kingdom." Butterflies play a key role in the food chain as both prey and predator. In addition, butterflies are particularly effective at indicating subtle ecosystem changes because their short lifespan allows them to respond quickly to these changes. 

For more:

Butterfly World: Rice paper butterfly 

The dead leaf butterfly: Master of camouflage

(All photos are via CFP)

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