Features: The male Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) is a stunningly beautiful butterfly whose upper wing surfaces are the clearest azure blue. Females are a darker, greyish blue. Unfortunately, this butterfly can no longer be found in its former black oak savanna habitat in Ontario, and it is considered extirpated here (i.e., regionally extinct, but continuing to exist elsewhere). Female Karner Blues lay their eggs on or near Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) which serves as the food plant of the butterfly larvae. Ants tend the larvae, protecting them from predators such as spiders. Two butterfly broods are produced annually. Pupae that have overwintered metamorphose to produce a first brood of butterflies in spring. These butterflies in turn breed and lay eggs in early summer, and the resulting larvae pupate, and metamorphose to produce a second brood of butterflies in late summer.

Status: Extirpated Provincially and Nationally

Range: The Karner Blue originally ranged from New England, west through southern Ontario and states bordering the Great Lakes to Minnesota. It is now considered extirpated in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Ohio, as well as in Ontario, and it is localized and endangered elsewhere. Range Maps

Threats: Habitat loss is responsible for the decline of the Karner Blue throughout its range. The disappearance of habitat in Ontario can be attributed to plant succession which creates shady conditions unsuitable for the growth of Wild Lupine; local "weed" control programs; development; and, in Pinery Provincial Park, the planting of pine trees in the 1940's.

Protection: Protection is provided to this butterfly through Ontario's Endangered Species Act, 2007, which prohibits actions such as killing, capturing, possessing, selling or trading the species, or damaging or destroying the habitat. The Natural Heritage component of the Provincial Policy Statement under the Planning Act provides for the protection of significant portions of the habitat of species listed in regulation under the E.S.A. The Ontario Karner Blue Recovery Team was formed in 1993, and has focussed its efforts on restoration of black oak savanna habitat in southwestern Ontario. Prescribed burns and deer control have been carried out in one of the butterfly's former habitats on public land to encourage the growth of Wild Lupine. Efforts such as this will help to ensure that habitat is available should a reintroduction program be initiated. A United States recovery team is drafting a recovery plan for the Karner Blue.

Text Sources: Holmes et al. 1991; Packer 1987; Pyle 1981

Last Modified Date: April 2010