Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) - Love, Sweet, Love

It was a rare sight to find this species mating in late September - six-weeks after their (view commonly held by scientists) peak time to reproduce.

Two generations of Karner blues are produced every year. The first hatch occurs from mid-May through early June. These butterflies lay eggs which hatch and become adults for a second hatch from mid-July through early August. The adult Karner blue butterflies, during their short one to two-week life span, will feed on the nectar of a variety of flowers, such as blue lupine, New Jersey tea, dogbane, and butterfly weed.

The Karner blue butterfly is a federally listed endangered species and is listed as a Michigan threatened species. Endangered Species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct.

Nature preserve, September, 2014

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