Species Insects & ArthropodsSpring Azure

Spring Azure

Celastrina ladon

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)

The Spring Azure is a delicate, sky-blue butterfly that is among the first lepidopterans to emerge in spring across much of North America. Females have broader dark margins on their wings compared to the purer blue of males. It is actually a species complex with multiple closely related forms that differ subtly in flight time and host plant use.

Habitat
Woodlands, forest edges, meadows, and suburban gardens
Diet
Larvae: flowers and fruits of dogwood, viburnum, and cherry. Adults: nectar
How common
Common

Best time to see a Spring Azure

The best time to see a Spring Azure is April–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 16,894 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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