About Karner Blue
A tiny bright blue butterfly with orange crescents on the hindwing underside that depends entirely on wild lupine. It is a federally endangered species in the United States.
Did You Know?
It was first described by novelist Vladimir Nabokov, who was also a serious lepidopterist at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology.
How to Identify Karner Blue
Karner Blue (Plebejus samuelis) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Lycaenidae. Adults typically measure 22-28 mm wingspan.
Karner Blue Habitat
Karner Blue is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across Great Lakes and northeastern United States. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Karner Blue Diet and Feeding
Karner Blue has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Karner Blue Found?
Karner Blue can be found in Great Lakes and northeastern United States, where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Karner Blue can be found
Is Karner Blue Dangerous?
Karner Blue is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Karner Blue Role in Nature
Karner Blue plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Karner Blue are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Karner Blue
What does Karner Blue look like?
The Karner Blue typically measures 22-28 mm wingspan.
Where is Karner Blue found?
The Karner Blue is found in Great Lakes and northeastern United States and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Karner Blue eat?
The Karner Blue has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Karner Blue dangerous to humans?
The Karner Blue is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Karner Blue endangered?
The Karner Blue is currently classified as Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Karner Blue?
It was first described by novelist Vladimir Nabokov, who was also a serious lepidopterist at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Karner Blue (Plebejus samuelis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/karner-blue
MLA:
"Karner Blue." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/karner-blue.