Description
The Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta) is a small butterfly with light blue upper wings and grayish-white undersides marked by faint black spots, commonly found in open woodlands, gardens, and meadows across eastern North America during the summer months. In Minnesota, if it is an azure flying after July 1, it’s most likely a Summer Azure (as opposed to Spring Azure and/or Northern Azure)
Range
It is found throughout the state except the far northern counties.
Similar Species
Spring Azure and/or Northern Azure are similar but have different flight times, though they may overlap in late spring/early summer. If you see one after mid-June and it’s fresh, it’s probably Summer.
Host Plants
- Dogwood (Cornus spp.)
- New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)
- Meadowsweet (Spiraea spp.)
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
- Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
- Cherry (Prunus spp.)
- Sumac (Rhus spp.)
Flight
Overwinters in chrysalis, and can emerge as early as June and fly until September