Home
Species Detail
Dusky Azure
Celastrina nigra (Forbes, 1960)
Attributes of Celastrina nigraFamily: Gossamer-wing Butterflies (Lycaenidae) Subfamily: Blues (Polyommatinae) Identification: Upperside of male gray-black; female dark with areas of gray-blue. Underside of hindwing with prominent black spots in submarginal row. Life history: Males patrol for females. Eggs are laid singly under young leaflets of host plant. Caterpillars feed on leaves and chrysalids hibernate. Flight: One brood from April-May. Wing span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Goat\'s beard (Aruncus dioicus) in the rose family. Adult food: Flower nectar, including wild geranium. Habitat: Shady and moist deciduous woods. Range: Southern Appalachians, Ohio River Valley, central Illinois, and northwest Arkansas. Conservation: Habitats may be threatened by the spread of garlic mustard (Alliaria officinalis) in the mustard family. NatureServe Global Status: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: Protect habitats from alteration and invasion by exotic plants. | Documented Records for Celastrina nigra
|
