Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides Melissa samuelis) Karner blue
butterfly by Marquis Walsh (above) and Lindsay Webb (marked
adult, below). At bottom - controlled burn of pine barrens
habitat by Dan Hayward. NH Conservation Status: Endangered
Federal Status: Endangered Karner blue butterflies are legally
protected in New Hampshire. Possession and take (which includes
harming, harassing, injuring and killing) is illegal.
Distribution: Restricted to the Concord Pine Barrens
Description: 1" wing span. Females tend to be slightly larger
than males. The upper sides of male wings are blue with a black
edge and white outer fringe. The upper sides of female wings are
darker blue, black, or gray with a row of orange crescents on
the hind wing and a black edge with a white outer fringe. Both
males and females have similar coloration on the under side of
the wings. It is gray to light tan with black dots and orange
crescents near the edge. Commonly Confused Species: Spring azure
and summer azure are commonly confused with