THE KARNER BLUE BUTTERFLY NEEDS YOUR HELP

 

   

    In the early 1900s the Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB) covered the fields of its habitat like a sea of blue. Over the next decade 99 percent of its population declined. By monitoring the butterfly's habitat, mapping its flight patterns and educating the public, NWE is a part of the effort to save the KBB.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

 

STEP ONE

Become educated about why this butterfly is in trouble. Know how to help.

 

    The Karner Blue Butterfly (KBB) has been on the endangered species list since 1992. Its failure to thrive is because the wild blue lupine, the only host for the KBB larvae, is being destroyed as humans continue to build. The lupine, pictured below, has spikes of blue flowers and grows in sandy areas.

 

  

   

     NWE creates habitat for the KBB by clearing brush for new electric lines. By exposing the sandy soil, it's easier for the lupine to grow. The lupine attracts the KBB, and the insect makes a new home under the power line. A key way to help the KBB population grow is to plant more wild blue lupine. The Wis. DNR can provide a list of nurseries that sell wild blue lupine in Wisconsin. Call (608) 261-6451.

 

STEP TWO

Know what the KBB looks like to report sightings to the DNR.

 

 

 The female KBB (top) is different from the male KBB (bottom). The males are a bright blue and the females are a deep navy. Females have orange crescents on the lower topsides of their wings and males have black and white bands around the topside of their wings.  If you spot a KBB on your property it's best to inform the Wisconsin DNR. They will send a butterfly expert to confirm the KBB sighting and will be able to map its new habitat. By planting more wild blue lupine, you may attract KBB to your property. It is illegal to harvest lupine seeds without obtaining landowner consent. Seed collection on DNR lands is prohibited. Only wild lupine will assist the KBB.

 

 

 

 

   You can only tell a KBB apart from all its quarter-sized blue butterfly friends by seeing the underside of its wings. KBB's are the only butterfly with orange crescents on top and bottom sections of the under wings.                                                           

     

 

   

 

STEP THREE

KNOW WHAT BUTTERFLIES IMPOSTOR THE KARNER

 

    

SPRING   AZURE

EASTERN   

TAILED BLUE

       This butterfly is called the Spring Azure. The insect may look like the male KBB from the top but its missing the orange crescents on the underside of the wing. One main difference on the topside of the Spring Azure is its fore wings have a more pronounced black line than the KBB.  The Spring Azure is very common in Burnett County and is seen most between March and June. The Spring Azure only live up to four days.

   

       This butterfly is called the Eastern Tailed Blue. It has orange crescents on its underside, similar to the KBB. The main difference between the two butterflies is the KBB has orange crescents on the top and bottom segments of its underside and the Eastern Tailed Blue has orange only on the bottom  segments. These butterflies have tiny tails protruding from their hind wings, something the KBB does not have.