06/22/2026
The Karner blue butterfly is an endangered pollinator species. Their main threat is due to habitat loss. It is small with about a one-inch wingspan and a short life span of a few days to weeks. In Minnesota, only a few places have their ideal habitat, one of which is the Anoka Sand Plain.
Females are a darker blue with orange crescents (like pictured), and males are a lighter blue. Karner blue caterpillars only feed on wild lupine, tending to grow in sandy soils. Habitat loss is the main reason for their struggle, and planting more native plants is the best way to support pollinators like the Karner blue butterfly.