Karner Blue Butterfly

The Karner blue butterfly is an endangered species. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered and threatened species is the primary objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species program.

What is the Karner Blue Butterfly?

Scientific Name

Lycaeides melissa samuelis

Appearance

The male and female of this small (wingspan of about one inch) butterfly are different in appearance. The topside of the male is silvery or dark blue with narrow black margins. The female is grayish brown, especially on the outer portions of the wings , to blue on the topside, with irregular bands of orange crescents inside the narrow black border. The underside of both sexes is gray with a continuous band of orange crescents along the edges of both wings and with scattered black spots circled with whi te.

Reproduction

Karner blue butterfly reproduction is strongly tied to wild lupine plants. There are usually two generations, and thus two hatches, of Karner blue butterfly eggs each year. In April, the first group of caterpillars hatch from eggs that were laid the p revious year. The caterpillars feed only on wild lupine plant leaves. By about mid-May, the caterpillars pupate and adult butterflies emerge from their cocoon-like chrysalis by the end of May or in early June. These adults mate, laying their eggs in June on or near wild lupine plants. The eggs hatch in about one week and the caterpillars feed for about three weeks. They then pupate and the summer's second generation of adult butterflies appears in July. These adults mate and lay eggs that will not hatch until the following spring.

Feeding Habits

Karner blue caterpillars feed only on the leaves of the wild lupine plant. Adults feed on the nectar of flowering plants. This severely restricts where they can survive.

Range

Karner blue butterflies are found in the northern part of the wild lupine's range. The butterfly is most widespread in Wisconsin, and can be found in portions of Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York. It may also be present in Illi nois.

Why is the Karner Blue Butterfly Endangered?

Habitat Loss or Degradation

Habitat throughout the range of the Karner blue butterfly has been lost as a result of land development and lack of natural disturbance, such as wildfire and grazing by large mammals. Such disturbance helps maintain the butterfly's habitat by setting back encroaching forests, encouraging lupine and flowering plant growth.

Collection

The Karner blue butterfly's rarity and beauty make it a desirable addition to butterfly collections. Because butterfly numbers are so low, the collection of even a few individuals could harm the butterfly population. Collection is illegal without a pe rmit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

What is Being Done to Prevent Extinction of the Karner Blue Butterfly?

Listing

The Karner blue butterfly was Federally listed as an endangered species in 1992.

Recovery Plan

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will develop and help implement a recovery plan that describes actions that need to be taken to help the butterfly survive.

Research

Researchers will study the Karner blue butterfly to find the best way to manage for the butterfly and its habitat.

Habitat Protection

Where possible, the butterfly's habitat (pine and oak savanna/barrens supporting wild lupine and nectar plants) will be managed and protected. Other kinds of animals and plants will also benefit from protection of the butterfly's habitat.

Public Education

Public education programs are being developed to raise awareness of the butterfly's plight.

What Can I Do to Help Prevent the Extinction of Species?

Learn

Learn more about the Karner blue butterfly and other endangered and threatened species. Understand how the destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and our nation's plant and animal diversity. Tell others about what yo u have learned.

Write

Write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or your state fish and game agency to learn more about endangered and threatened species.

Join

Join a conservation group; many have local chapters.

How Can I Get More Information?

Call or write to:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Endangered Species
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building
1 Federal Drive Fort Snelling, Minnesota
55111-4056
Phone: (612) 725-3276