• Death Valley from Aguereberry Point

    Death Valley

    National Park CA,NV

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  • Scotty's Castle Fire Closure

    Due to a fire at Scotty's Castle on May 20, the Scotty's Castle Visitor Center and grounds are closed, tours are cancelled, and power and phones are out. The road through Grapevine Canyon is open. The castle may re-open on Tuesday May 28.

  • Furnace Creek Campground Temporary Closure

    Furnace Creek Campground will be CLOSED for construction starting April 16, 2013. Texas Springs Campground will remain open for summer camping in the Furnace Creek Area. More »

Butterflies

butterfly
sagebrush checkerspot
 

Death Valley Butterflies (1.48 mb PDF)

The most abundant butterfly species within the park include the following species:

  • square-spotted blue
  • sagebrush checkerspot
  • indra swallowtail
  • western pygmy-blue
  • checkered white
  • Becker's white

Butterfly populations are not only influenced by climate, habitat conditions, and other site specific variables, they are also influenced by direct harm. Butterfly conservation in this park and elsewhere will help ensure the continued enjoyment of these fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, Death Valley National Park has had large-scale illegal commercial butterfly collectors in the past. Some have been caught and sentenced to jail and have faced stiff fines. Remember, specimen collecting within the park, for personal or commercial use, is prohibited, unless it is part of an approved research project and in possession of a valid National Park Service research permit. Handling butterflies or other wildlife is also not permitted. Butterflies in the park are best appreciated with the aid of binoculars or a camera. Please no nets or other capturing devices.

Did You Know?

Death Valley is a land of little rain

Rainfall in Death Valley averages less than 2 inches a year. There have been some years of no recorded rainfall at all! More...