Our Federally-Listed Endangered Miami Blue

 

Thanks to Mickey Wheeler for images of the Miami Blue when it could still be found in the Lower Keys.

On April 6, 2012 the Miami Blue was officially designated an endangered species, bringing South Florida the dubious distinction of having two federally endangered butterflies (the Schaus’ Swallowtail was listed in 1984; read its story on our Conservation page). We now await news from the US Fish &U Wildlife Service about steps that will be taken in the management plan for the Miami Blue. If you want to bone up on the Miami Blue’s decline, read Dennis’ Olle’s Fall 2010 article in American Butterflies. The Emergency Listing document for the Miami Blue offers extensive background on the butterfly’s decline and can be found at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FWS-R4-ES-2011-0043-0002.