When scientists collected this specimen from the Royal Palm area of Everglades National Park in 1964, the intent was simply to document the species' presence in the area. The Miami Blue (Cyclargus ( = Hemiargus) thomasi bethunebakeri) was once widespread in southern Florida, but it is now a state-listed endangered species. It was most common on the southern mainland and Keys. Other subspecies of the species Cyclargus thomasi Clench are found in the Caribbean from the Bahamas to the greater and lesser Antilles, but this subspecies, bethunebakeri, the Miami Blue, is endemic to southern Florida. At one point this subspecies was feared extirpated in south Florida, but it was discovered in November 1999 in the lower Florida Keys.

Today, two specimens in the Everglades National Park's museum collection provide critical documentation that this extirpated subspecies once lived in the park, enabling the park to participate in the Miami Blue Butterfly Reintroduction Project. The project at Everglades and Biscayne National Parks is a positive collaborative effort between the National Park Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Miami Blue Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association, and researchers at the University of Florida. This pre-emptive action for the Miami Blue butterfly may prevent its extinction or the need for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

Concern for populations of rare and endangered species is an important function of national parks. The successful reintroduction of species that were once abundant in Everglades and Biscayne National Parks would increase biodiversity and benefit the overall effort to increase populations of this very endangered species.