The Karner Blue Butterfly inhabits grassy sandplains, pine barrens and oak savannas, with populations ranging from the upper Midwest to the East Coast and Canada. It was listed as endangered in 1992 and may be extinct in several states, including Massachusetts, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Populations are affected by habitat loss from urban and agricultural development, deforestation and fire suppression. Many of the plants which this species feeds upon exist primarily in areas that experience a regular fire regime, such as the scrubby oak-pine forest. In addition, it is directly dependent upon the Blue Lupine plant, which is the sole food source for the Karner Blue caterpillar and is being replaced by agricultural land. Visit portfolio page to learn more.