The Mitchell's satyr butterfly, Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii, is a federally endangered species with protected populations found in Michigan, Indiana, and wherever else populations may be discovered. The conservation status of the Mitchell's satyr began to be called into question when populations of a phenotypically similar butterfly were discovered in the eastern United States. It is unclear if these recently discovered populations are N. m. mitchellii and thus warrant protection. In order to clarify the conservation status of the Mithcell's satyr I first acquired sample sizes large enough for population genetic analysis I developed a method of non-lethal sampling that has no detectable effect on the survival of the butterfly. I then traveled to all regions in which N. mitchellii is known to be extant and collected genetic samples. Using a variety of population genetic techniques I demonstrated that the federally protected populations in Michigan and Indiana are genetically distinct from the recently discovered populations in the southern US. I also detected the presence of the reproductive endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, and surveyed addition Lepidoptera of conservation concern. This survey revealed that Wolbachia is a real concern for conservation managers and should be addressed in management plans. Finally, I examined the variation in wing patterns among Neonympha taxa using geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics. This methodology allows researchers to empirically examine qualitative traits by placing landmarks at homologous position and quantify the variation among taxon. Analysis of wing patterns revealed that the endangered taxa could be clearly and consistently distinguished from congeners. I conclude this dissertation with an outlook for the Mitchell's satyr and a call to action for the protection and recovery of this endangered species.
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