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Share your observations of plants or non-game animals with the Natural Heritage Inventory.
- Contact information
- For information on Wisconsin's rare animals, contact:
- Rich Staffen
Conservation Biologist
608-266-4340
Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis)
Photo by Gregor Schuurman, WDNR
Overview
Overview
Karner blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), butterfly listed as Federally Endangered and Special Concern in Wisconsin, has been found in pine barrens and oak savanna in close association with its larval hostplant lupine (Lupinus perennis). In Wisconsin, also found along utility and road right-of-ways, abandonded agricultural fields, and managed forests. This butterfly has two flight periods: adults are present from late May through late June and again from late July through late August.
State status
Status and Natural Heritage Inventory documented occurrences in Wisconsin
The table below provides information about the protected status - both state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis). See the Working List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory database. The map is provided as a general reference of where occurrences of this species meet NHI data standards and is not meant as a comprehensive map of all observations.
Note: Species recently added to the NHI Working List may temporarily have blank occurrence maps.

Summary Information | |
---|---|
State Status | SC/FL |
Federal Status in Wisconsin | LE |
State Rank | S3 |
Global Rank | G5T2 |
Tracked by NHI | Y |
WWAP | SGCN |
Other resources
Links to additional Karner Blue information
- Karner Blue Butterfly Information from the Division of Forestry
- US Fish & Wildlife Service [exit DNR]
- MN Department of Natural Resources [exit DNR]
- Michigan Natural Features Inventory [PDF exit DNR]
Other links related to butterflies and moths
Photos/Video
Photos
Click to view a larger version. Please considering donating a photo to the Natural Heritage Conservation Program for educational uses. Photo use