The New Mexico Rare Arthropod Resource

In addition, as this taxa relies on just one larval host plant, it is more vulnerable to habitat changes. Host plant specificity is a key indicator of extinction risk, as with just one host plant any host plant declines will result in population declines for this butterfly (Kotiaho et al. 2005, Palash et al. 2022, Forister et al. 2023). This butterfly's sole host plant is also rare in New Mexico, with a globally imperiled NatureServe rank (S2) and a spot on the New Mexico Rare Plants list (Sivinski 2007). A rare host plant severely limits the dispersion ability and potential population size of this butterfly. 

Residential and commercial development have likely historically contributed substantially to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, as both Cloudcroft and Ruidoso have expanded significantly since 2000 (USFWS et al. 2004). This remains a threat to the subspecies although now that climate change has pushed it to such high elevations it is unlikely to be affected by much further expansion. However,  if colonies still persist at lower elevations these would be highly at risk to development. 

Another major threat to this subspecies is the potential occurrence of catastrophic wildfire. Fire suppression has been a key component of forest management in the Sacramento Mountains since the early 1900s, resulting in dense conifer growth and increased fuel loads (Kaufmann et al. 1998). Not only has this likely fragmented the subspecies and resulted in a steep decrease in numbers due its reliance on forest openings, but catastrophic wildfires have also worsened in the area as a result.  At least nine large fires have burned over 34,000 acres of land in the Sacramento Mountains in the last 50 years (Kaufmann et al. 1998, USFWS et al. 2004). The impacts of fire on this subspecies may depend on the intensity and size of the fire, as well as seasonal timing. For example, if a small amount of meadow habitat was burnt, but adjacent forests were cleared, larval host and nectar plants may benefit from the disturbance caused by the fire as this will create larger forest openings, and butterflies may be able to disperse more readily between meadows. Such disturbances are necessary to support the metapopulation dynamics that this subspecies seems to be engaging in where small, discrete sub-populations rely on regular recolonization from neighboring patches. However, if a fire that was too hot or too widespread were to burn in the area, direct impacts may include mortality of adults, pupae, larvae, or eggs, depending on the time of year, and indirect effects might include loss of host plants and nectar sources. Invasive species introduced through grazing such as Kentucky Blue Grass (Poa pratensis) which is now prominent in this area may also cause fires to burn deeper and hotter than normal resulting in additional mortality (USFWS et al. 2004). 

Recreational disturbances are also a threat to this taxa. The forest opening meadow habitats that this butterfly relies on are attractive areas for recreational activities such as camping, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use. Grazing by cattle historically and now by elk and feral horses may also be a threat to this butterfly as elk and feral horses are rampant in the Sacramento Mountains however, currently the effect of grazing on this subspecies is unknown and requires further research (USFWS et al. 2004).