Florida Atala Butterfly Conservation Extension Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

The Florida atala butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey) is a rare hairstreak butterfly characterized by satiny black wings featuring an iridescent turquois shimmer. It was thought to be extinct due to overharvest of its host plant, Zamia integrifolia (a.k.a. coontie). These butterflies were rediscovered and are found in highly localized populations in coastal central and south Florida. Availability of its native host plant and widespread insecticide use are limiting factors that continue to endanger this rare butterfly. In summer 2017, atalas were found at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. This led to significant public interest in the conservation of atala butterflies and the UF/IFAS Extension office worked with partners to conduct field days, exhibit public displays and conduct presentations to teach people how to conserve atalas. The extension agent conducted a survey to determine the extent of atala butterflies in St. Lucie County resulting in three additional localized populations being discovered. Extension colleagues outside St. Lucie County augmented outreach of this survey resulting in discovery of twenty-one confirmed populations in six Florida counties. A program designed to encourage adoption of atala-friendly landscape practices was created and adopted by organizations in St. Lucie County and other Florida counties where atalas are present.