Blues, Coppers, Hairstreaks

Denali National Park and Preserve is home to diverse array of plant life. These plants rely on pollinators to reproduce. Pollinators stop by in search of nectar and other rewards. Along their journey, they collect and deposit pollen from plant to plant and aid the reproduction process.

There are over 50 species of butterflies in Denali, making them an important part of the ecosystem. We can thank them, along with the many other pollinators in Alaska, for the colorful displays of wildflowers in the spring, and the wealth of berries in the fall.

Learn more about pollination in Denali with this interactive story map.

Butterflies in the Lycaenidae Family

 

Ken Philip photo, used by permission of the University of Alaska Museum

Northern azure

Celastrina lucia

 

Ken Philip photo, used by permission of the University of Alaska Museum

Western tailed-blue

Cupido amyntula

 

Ken Philip photo, used by permission of the University of Alaska Museum

Silvery blue

Glaucopsyche lygdamus

 

Ken Philip photo, used by permission of the University of Alaska Museum

Dorcas copper

Lycaena dorcas

 

Ken Philip photo, used by permission of the University of Alaska Museum

Arctic blue

Plebejus glandon

 

Ken Philip photo, used by permission of the University of Alaska Museum

Northern blue

Plebejus glandon

 

Ken Philip photo, used by permission of the University of Alaska Museum

Cranberry blue

Plebejus optilete