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Karner Blue Butterfly

Lycaeides melissa samuelis

Description:

The Karner blue is a small butterfly with a wing span of approximately one inch. In the male, the upper surface of all four wings is a deep violet-blue fringed with white. In the female, the upper surface is a dusky brownish blue with orange spots on the edge of the hindwing. The lower surface is a pale silver with white- ringed black spots and sometimes rows of bright orange and blue markings near the edge of the hindwings. The protective coloration of the larva, which reaches half an inch in length before changing into a pupa, perfectly matches the green leaves of the vegetation. The larva is covered with very fine hairs. The larvae, however, are highly specialized, feeding exclusively on the wild blue lupine leaves. Without blue lupine, the Karner blue would not survive.

Habitat:

On a Dandelion leaf (to compare size of it) In New York, the butterfly is found in certain parts of the Hudson Valley sand belt which extends from the Albany Pine Bush north to the Glens Falls area. Within its range, this species is restricted to dry sandy areas with open woods and clearings supporting wild blue lupine. This type of habitat is usually associated with pitch pine/scrub oak or oak savannah communities that are maintained by fire at an early stage of plant succession. (this was found in my yard far away from the habitat described)

Notes:

Extinctions of entire populations of the Karner blue have occurred around large urban centers such as Chicago and New York City. Other populations, such as those in the Albany Pine Bush, have been reduced both by habitat destruction from urbanization and by loss of lupine through natural succession resulting from fire suppression. I'm honored to have found this, but want to let someone know so they can be protected in my area!

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9 Comments

Jacob Gorneau
Jacob Gorneau 11 years ago

Keith, looking back at this, I have no idea why I once thought this was a Karner Blue. The (now what I think is a moth) insect seems to have black hindwings edged with white, which would make me think a moth in the Genus Catocala. I am sorry for primarily sending you in such a wrong direction.

keithp2012
keithp2012 12 years ago

WOW I cant believe it this is endangered for my area! Is there anyone I can contact about my find?

Jacob Gorneau
Jacob Gorneau 12 years ago

Although the Karner Blue has a orange edging in the wikipedia entry, it does not have to.

http://www.ohio-nature.com/karner-blue-b...

keithp2012
keithp2012 12 years ago

need id

keithp2012
keithp2012 12 years ago

I tried, but it also matched tiny butterflies, I am confused what it is?

lori.tas
lori.tas 13 years ago

It is a day-flying moth. Try googling that and your area and see what you get.

keithp2012
keithp2012 13 years ago

If it is a day-flying moth, any idea what species?

keithp2012
keithp2012 13 years ago

Need i.d.

keithp2012
Spotted by
keithp2012

West Babylon, New York, USA

Spotted on Sep 25, 2010
Submitted on Sep 26, 2010

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