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Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon)

The Spring Azure is a species of very small butterflies, of about an inch, and are found in several countries of North America. These diurnal butterflies can be seen perching from flower to flower especially from midafternoon till dusk.

Scientific Classification

Family: Lycaenidae
Genus: Celastrina
Scientific Name: Celastrina ladon

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The mature larvae shape more like flat and wide slugs, rather than tubes. They have a segmented body with either green or whitish green coloration, with the latter having small moss green marks on the body. Unlike most other species, they thrive on flowers and fruits. These insects are often tended by tree ants, often resisting them to grow up to a butterfly.

Pupa

The chrysalis is beige to light brown or grayish with darker gray and dull white blotches all over the body. They are attached to the upper surface of the leaves.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Yes

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, both the forewings and the hindwings in the male display a bright blue hue, whereas the female is has a darker shade of blue, having prominent black margins on the forewings. When closed, both the wings look grayish with darker markings.

Average wingspan: 0.87 – 1.8 inches (2.2 – 3.5 cm)

Flight pattern: Fast

Eggs

Laid singly on flower buds

Quick Facts
Distribution	North America ranging from Alaska and Canada to the south of the tundra region; throughout most parts of the US, down to the mountains to Colombia
Habitat	Old fields, clearings and edges of deciduous woods, freshwater swamps and wooded marshes
Lifespan of adults	A few days
Host plants	Leaves of dogwood (Cornus florida), New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americana), meadowsweet (Spiraea salicifolia), and Collinsia
Adult diet	Nectar from flowers including blackberry, dogbane, privet, New Jersey tea, and common milkweed

Did You Know?

Some taxonomic authorities have considered the species believe that it is a subspecies of C. argiolus, whereas, the other authorities opine that it is ‘full’ species.
They are said to be the shortest-lived butterflies.