Lycaeides melissa samuelis
The Karner blue butterfly is a federally endangered species living in a narrow band from eastern Minnesota to New Hampshire. Wisconsin is home to the largest and most widespread populations. As a larvae (catepillar), they feed on only one plant wild lupine (Lupinus perennis). Lupine grows in dry sandy soils with full to partial sun. As a butterfly, the Karner blue feeds on just about any wildflower available. The more flowers the better the habitat is.
Karner blue butterflies are viewable twice during the year. They overwinter as eggs. These eggs transform into larvae that feed on wild lupine. They then form a chrysalis eventually emerging as butterflies in late May. Males usually emerge first. An individual butterfly lives a week to ten days. These butterlfies nectar from flowers mate and lay eggs on lupine plants. These eggs hatch into larvae, form chrysalis, and emerge as butterflies in late-July to mid-August. These butterlfies nectar and mate laying the eggs that must overwinter for next year's butterflies.
Maps for Wisconsin Karner Blue Butterfly Locations
Probability of Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat (based on the Ted Sickley Model University of Wisconsin - Madison Forest Landscape Ecology Lab)
Private Landowners
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers technical and financial assistance (cost-share) to private landowners restoring or creating habitat for the Karner blue butterfly. Up to 100% financial assistance is available. During a site visit, biologists work with landowners to identify potential projects and assess the possibility of habitat restoration on their property. If eligible, the Partners Program will develop a wildlife management agreement and plan to get projects underway. Restoration work can be completed by the landowner, local contractors, or the biologist. Contact Mike Engel 608-221-1206 ext. 21