Fender’s Blue Butterfly

Photo Credit: Shawn Woods

Overview

  • Species Common Name Fender’s Blue Butterfly
  • Species Scientific Name Icaricia icarioides fenderi
  • Federal Listing Status Endangered

Ecoregions

Special needs

Fender's blue butterflies inhabit native prairie and oak savannah. They require Kincaid’s lupine as a host plant.

Limiting factors

Principal threats to Fender's blue butterfly are habitat loss and degradation. Invasive vegetation can displace Kincaid's lupine, the primary larval host plant, and other native plants upon which the butterfly depends.

Conservation actions

Maintain and restore wet prairie habitat and populations of Kincaid’s lupine. Use caution when implementing gypsy moth control in nearby forests.