Distribution of edaphic-endemic butterflies in the Sierra Nevada of California

Five edaphically-restricted or -endemic butterflies, mostly associated with serpentine, are shown to be distributed in the western foothills of the Si erra Nevada in addition to their previously documented areas of occupancy i n the California North Coast Ranges. Two species are absolutely limited by the edaphic restriction of their host plants, while the other three seeming ly ale not. The controversies concerning the origins of serpentine endemism in plants apply to butterflies as well. Long-term relictualism can presuma bly apply only at the metapopulation level, not the local population level, due to the frequency of fire in these habitats. Development and habitat-co nversion trends pose a high risk to the long-term survival of these species in the Sierra Nevada.