Although the species is rare nationwide, it is fairly common in central Wisconsin. A stray that most likely is associated with its larval host plants, Pipevines.
This species overwinters as a chrysalis, and it is likely that in most years cannot survive the winters in Wisconsin. The scientific name of the Karner blue butterfly is Lycaeides melissa samuelis. Note: Please understand that that insects do not adhere to man-drawn borders on a map as such they may be found beyond the general "reach" as showcased on our website.
Species become rare for a number of reasons, including habitat loss, habitat degradation, highly specialized habitat needs, disturbance sensitivity, genetic problems, exploitation, persecution, predation, competition and …
In Wisconsin, we have 12 native milkweed species, but some of them are very rare and not readily available for planting.
All of Wisconsin's rare species are found on the Natural heritage working list. The Karner blue butterfly was once common in the Midwest. MADISON - Wisconsin has more Karner blue butterflies than any other place in the world and volunteers can attend training this June to help collect information about this federally endangered butterfly and its habitat to help advance recovery efforts, state endangered species officials say. Rare. The butterfly is losing its natural habitat. Weekly sightings for Spicebush Swallowtail Identifying characteristics.
Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus. Award-winning help for endangered butterflies. butterflies ; tiger beetles; robber flies; Search species. The main larval food plants of this species are Sassafras and Spicebush, neither of which is native to Wisconsin. Wisconsin Butterflies. The butterfly's continued survival in Wisconsin is the result of a DNR statewide habitat conservation plan (HCP). Photo credit: Joshua Mayer The best time to … Butterflies and Moths of Wisconsin Showcase listing of Butterflies and Moths found in the state of Wisconsin. In Ebner’s Butterflies of Wisconsin, he notes that there was a colony near Oostburg that “was known to flourish for many years.” Evidently this butterfly can survive some Wisconsin winters. In the American Butterflies Fall 1998 issue, Jeff Nekola lists likely Purplish Fritillary locations in Douglas County.
WHYsconsin received a question from listener Rachel Potter of Fitchburg wondering, "Why don’t more Wisconsinites know about the majestic regal fritillary butterfly?". Formalized in 1999, the Wisconsin HCP helps protect the Karner blue butterfly and is the first comprehensive statewide conservation agreement authorized under the Endangered Species Act. The Spicebush Swallowtail is an uncommon stray into Wisconsin. But now it is federally listed as an endangered species. The Purplish Fritillary was first discovered in Wisconsin on August 10, 1991 at Lyman Lake Bog by Robbye Johnson.