Karner Blue
( Lycaeides melissa samuelis)
The Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) is a butterfly found in the midwestern and northeastern parts of the United States. It was first documented in 1944 by novelist, Vladimir Nabokov.
The Karner blue is known for having mutualistic relationship with several ant species. Through this partnership Karner Blue larvae are tended by ants & are known to survive at significantly higher rates. Large parts of the Karner blue butterfly’s habitat have been lost as a result of land development, which led to it being listed as an endangered species in 1992.
North American Butterfly Association (www.naba.org)and Butterflies and Moths of North America (www.butterfliesandmoths.org) are devoted to the preservation of the Karner Blue.