Karner Blue Butterfly
Lycaeides melissa samuelis
Range and habitat:
The Karner blue butterfly is native to the oak
savannas and pine barrens of the Great Lakes Region, including parts of
New England.
Natural diet:
The larvae eat leaves of the wild lupine (Lupinus
perennis); the adult butterflies eat nectar from various prairie
flowers.
Size / weight range:
Adult Karner blues are approximately the
size of a quarter.
Interesting Facts:
The Karner Blue butterfly is an endangered species.
Over-wintered eggs hatch in April and caterpillars develop into adults
in approximatelyt three weeks.
Adult butterflies mate in May or June and lay eggs which hatch in 3-5
days, then develop into adults in July. These late summer adults mate
in July-August and lay eggs, which over winter and hatch the following
spring.
Learn more about the Toledo Zoo's Butterfly Conservation Project:
Learn how the Toledo Zoo is working to help restore the Karner Blue population in northwest Ohio
Click here to learn more about conservation efforts at The Toledo Zoo
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