t1090 ~ Karner Blue Butterfly ~ Lycaeides melissa samuelis

Photographed (2009) in Allegan County, Michigan.

A small silvery butterfly with a 0.9 to 1.3 inch (2.2 to 2.3 cm) wingspan. The dorsal surface is silvery blue in males with a narrow, dark border and white fringe. Females range from dull violet to bright purplish blue near the body and central portions of the wings; the remainder of the wing can range from light to dark gray brown. The hindwing of the female also has a row of dark spots with orange crescents along the outer edge. Some of this information is from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory website.

Michigan T/E List Status: Threatened (T)

Federal T/E List Status: Endangered (E)

If interested in licensing a high resolution version of this photo, please contact us directly.