2025 MURAL SPECIES!
karner blue
Ojibwe: Memengwaanhs
Latin: Plebejus samuelis
STATUS:
US STATUS: LE - Listed Endangered
MI STATUS: T - Threatened (Legally Protected)
ARTIST:
BAKPAK DURDEN
Bakpak Durden, a Detroit-based artist, delves into human consciousness and spiritual existence through a deconstructed cinematic lens. Inspired by Baroque and Afro-Surrealist influences, their work combines in-depth research, introspection, and an antidisciplinary approach to craft compelling, narrative-driven experiences. Renowned for their paintings depicting subjects in transitional states and large-scale murals that foster a deep connection with local communities, Durden continues to exhibit their work and create public art projects nationwide.
Find more of Bakpak’s work here!
EDUCATOR:
DAVID CUTHRELL
David received his BA in Biology at the University of Northern Iowa and an MS in Entomology at North Dakota State University. He conducts targeted rare species surveys to determine the conservation status of insects, particularly butterflies and moths, as well as hawks and owls. When he is not chasing bugs or sloshing through prairie fens, he enjoys time with his family and umpiring baseball.
Visit our Boreal Chorus Frog mural in downtown Grand Rapids at 56 Front Avenue NW!
Description:
A small silvery butterfly with a 0.9 - 1.3 inch (2.2-2.3 cm) wingspan. The dorsal (top) surface is silvery blue in males with a narrow, dark border and white fringe. Females range from dull violet to bright purplish blue near the body and central portions of the wings; the remainder of the wing can range from light to dark gray-brown. The hindwing of the female also has a row of dark spots with orange crescents along the outer edge. The ventral (bottom) surface of both sexes is grayish fawn to pearly gray with several rows of small black spots on the inner portions of both wings and a row of metallic blue-green, orange, and black spots just inside the outer margin of both wings, becoming less pronounced in the forewing.
Habitat and Occurrence
If you’re looking to find a Karner Blue for yourself, check within the following ecosystems within the green counties on the map!
All information on this page is generously provided by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI). For more information about Karner Blues - visit the species description here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/karner-blue. To learn more about Michigan’s biodiversity, ecological communities and natural heritage, visit mnfi.anr.msu.edu
get involved with karner blue conservation!
While there are currently no Community Science projects specifically operating to benefit the preservation of Karner Blues in Michigan, there are many organizations who work to protect the habitats where they reside! Volunteer with some of these organizations and help protect the habitat that Karner Blues need in order to survive.
report an observation
MNFI stewards the Michigan Natural Heritage Database and track observations of some of Michigan’s rarest forms of life to fully understand the population and range of rare species to protect biodiversity in Michigan. If you have encountered a Karner Blue, you can share the location information with these trusted conservation professionals here: mnfi.anr.msu.edu/species/report