Endangered Langes Metalmark butterfly on Naked Buckwheat stem

The Langes Metalmark and Naked Buckwheat are both on the federally endangered list. This butterfly is ONLY found in one small area of Contra Costa County, California in the Antioch Dunes along the San Joaquin River. This area is a federal wildlife area that is off-limits to the public. I was privileged to visit the area to assist with their annual "count" with an authorized ranger. 14 people formed a grid and searched literally acres of land to find 2 females. I was able to photograph both and you can view them here.

Antioch Dunes NakedStemmed BuckwheatApodemia morno langeiButterflyEriogonum nudum var. psychiocolaMetalmarkendangerednaked stemmed buckwheat