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Karner Blue
Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis): Historically,
this small butterfly occurred
in populations that were scattered over much of the upper Midwest and northeastern
United States. Those populations were restricted primarily to
areas where sandy soils promoted the growth of lupines, it's larval host
plant.
The sandy woodland, barrens, or prairie habitats in which this species
thrives are maintained by fires or other periodic disturbances. Without
such disturbances, changes in habitat can cause loss of lupine and
Karner blue populations. |
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| The Karner blue butterfly was
listed as endangered in 1992. In
northeast Illinois this species was known from sandy areas along the
Lake Michigan Shoreline. In recent years only occasional
individuals have been reported. Locally, the Chicago Illinois
Field office has participated in surveys for Karner blues in areas of
suitable habitat remaining in Lake County, Illinois.
Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis):
Was added to the list of endangered and threatened species in 1992. Pertinent web
areas, literature and dates for the Great Lakes population include:
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