Top 7 rarest butterflies in the world

These unusually patterned butterflies were once quite common. However, habitat degradation and human impact have caused them to gradually disappear.

Miami Blue: In the past, this species was quite common along the coast of Florida (USA). However, today, its numbers have decreased significantly (estimated to be less than 100 individuals). This is the rarest butterfly in the world. The main reasons for the disappearance of the Miami Blue butterfly are the development of the Miami coastal area and Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Until 1999, no one saw the Miami butterfly and it was believed to be extinct. (Photo: Florida Museum).

Island Marble: This butterfly has a wing pattern that resembles marble. For about 100 years (1908-1998), it was thought to be extinct. However, some Island Marble butterflies have reappeared on San Juan Island (Spain). Scientists and authorities have listed it as an endangered species. However, their efforts have not been able to stop the decline in the species' numbers. By 2018, the number of Island Marble butterflies in San Juan was less than 200. (Photo: Flickr).

Palos Verdes Blue: This is a small butterfly that is highly endangered. The Palos Verdes Blue only appears on the Palos Verdes Peninsula (USA), so it is rare for people to see it with their own eyes. Scientists thought this species completely disappeared in 1983 when its habitat (in Rancho Palos Verdes Park) was leveled. Currently, there are only about 200 Palos Verdes Blue individuals left in the wild. (Photo: Joel Sarton).

Lange's Metalmark: Like the Palos Verdes Blue, the Lange's Metalmark lives in only one environment. That is the Antioch Sand Dunes (California, USA). It became an officially endangered species in 1976. (Photo: Sfgate).

Saint Francis Satyr: This butterfly species is only found in Fort Bragg, North Carolina (USA). It is estimated that the number of Saint Francis Satyr individuals is now less than 1,000. The main reason for the disappearance of this butterfly species is habitat threat. (Photo: Fws).

Schaus Swallowtail: At one point, the Schaus Swallowtail was considered the rarest butterfly in Florida (USA) with only a few hundred left. However, conservation efforts have reduced the current population to around 800-1,200 individuals. Their most recognizable feature is the dark brown upper wing with a white and yellow stripe in the middle. Their wingspan is around 9.2-11.8cm. (Photo: Observer).

Leona's Little Blue : It was named after Leona Rice, who first discovered the species in Klamath, Oregon (USA). The current estimated population of Leona's Little Blues is around 1,000 - 2,000 individuals. They live mainly on buckwheat plants. However, their "home" is being encroached upon by logging and some other invasive plant species. (Photo: Flickr).