Floral Resource Availability on Native vs. Reconstructed Prairie for the Federally Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis)

Abstract

The Karner blue butterfly is a federally endangered species and is classified as a Species of Special Concern in Wisconsin. The butterfly is found in barrens and dry sand prairies where its larval host plant, wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) grows--along with various wildflower nectar sources. In the past 20 years, Karner blues have lost 90% of their habitat, and Wisconsin has the largest remnant populations. With the goal of increasing populations, the KBB State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Conservation Reserve Program has established nearly 2,000 acres of habitat (2009-2012) on private land. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the nectar species established on the CRP SAFE sites resembled native dry sand prairie species available to Karner adults during both their first and second brood flights.