Photo courtesy of Gerald Selby

 

Poweshiek Skipperling (Oarisma poweshiek)

Status: Endangered

Poweshiek skipperlings are small butterflies most often found in remnants of native prairie in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin and in fens in Michigan. However, this skipperling may have been extirpated from the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa within the last 10 years – an area that, until recently, contained the vast majority of the surviving populations. It is now known only from Wisconsin, Michigan and Manitoba. During surveys in 2014, the species could be found only at a few sites in a single Michigan county, in very limited numbers at one site in Wisconsin, and in Canada at the single Manitoba site.

 

About Poweshiek Skipperlings and Their Conservation

Rare butterfly rests its wings in unique SE Michigan ecosystem - radio story from WKAR Public Media at Michigan State University (2016)

 

Stopping Extinction of a Prairie Butterfly - Poweshiek Skipperling

 

Searching for Endangered Poweshieks

 

Fact Sheet

 

Species Profile

 

Saving Minnesota's Prairie Butterflies - Minnesota Zoo

 

Final Critical Habitat Designation

The Endangered Species Act defines critical habitat as an area that contains habitat features that are essential for the survival and recovery of a listed species, which may require special management considerations or protections. Regulation of critical habitat is limited to the requirement that federal agencies consult with the Service on any actions that may affect critical habitat. The Service can then recommend ways to minimize adverse effects to the habitat.

 

News Release (Sept. 30, 2015)

 

Dakota Skipper and Poweshiek Skipperling Critical Habitat

 

Archives

Archived Documents and Information Materials from Previous Federal Actions

 

Dakota Skipper and Poweshiek Skipperling Archives

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Dakota Skipper Home

USFWS Midwest Endangered Species Home

 

Last updated: August 9, 2016