Karner blue butterfly

insect

Also known as: Lycaeides melissa samuelis

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) is a small, delicate insect belonging to the blue butterfly subfamily (Polyommatinae) within the Lycaenidae family. Once found across North American savannas and barrens, it is now listed as endangered in the United States. Its decline is attributed to habitat fragmentation and a lack of natural disturbances like wildfires, which are crucial for maintaining its habitat and encouraging the growth of wild lupine. Lupine leaves are the primary food source for Karner blue caterpillars.1

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blue butterfly
The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), once found throughout the savanna and barrens habitats of North America, is listed as endangered in the United States. Its numbers have declined as a result of habitat fragmentation and a lack of natural disturbances such as wildfire, which…
Read More
The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), once found throughout the savanna and barrens habitats of North America, is listed as endangered in the United States. Its numbers have declined as a result of habitat fragmentation and a lack of natural disturbances such as wildfire, which…
Read More