Northern Azure
Common NameNorthern Azure
Scientific NameCelastrina lucia
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)27
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblue, grey, white
HabitatWoodlands, forest edges, clearings, fields, bogs
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Newfoundland west to Manitoba and south to Georgia and Arkansas
Host PlantsDogwood, Cherry, Blueberry, Sumac, Viburnum, Maple
Flight PeriodEarly spring, April to May, sometimes a second brood in summer
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on flower buds of host plants. Larvae feed on flowers and developing fruits. Pupae typically overwinter, often attached to stems or leaf litter.
Identification TipsDistinguished from other azures by its early flight period, often having more prominent dark markings on the underside (especially the hindwing) compared to Summer Azure, and its association with specific early spring host plants.
Description
A small, delicate butterfly with a pale blue-grey to whitish underside, often exhibiting faint dark spots or streaks, and an iridescent blue dorsal surface.
