Comments sought on plan to protect two butterfly species

Federal officials are considering whether two dark blue southern Nevada butterfly species should get protections under the Endangered Species Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's announced a 60-day public comment period and a one-year review process started Tuesday.

The environmental group Wild Earth Guardians submitted a petition asking for a review on the two butterfly species, including one that's only known to live in the Spring Mountains and another that's seen in Clark and Nye counties at high elevations.

The agency declined to do the same, in-depth review for the Morand's checkerspot butterfly that's found in the Spring Mountains. A citizen had petitioned for a study on that species.

Fish and wildlife authorities are gathering comment from Native American tribes, scientists, and others about the proposed protections.