Observation date: May 10, 2018
Submitted by: Tim Shortell
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: In watching a large number of these butterflies throughout the day I noticed there were two different colorations - one with more dark in the hind underwing and one with significantly less with no individuals in between. Is this possibly the difference between male and female?
Status: Resident
Verified by: A_baldini
Verified date: May 19, 2018
Coordinator notes: Correct ID. I'll refrain from attempting to explain the extremely complicated taxonomic history of the azures, but, in short, this is not sexual dimorphism, but rather two distinct forms of this species. The Northern, Hops, and Spring azures (and more) all used to be considered a single species, Celastrina ladon, but taxonomic research has since split it up into many species, each with multiple forms and genetic variations. If you want to find out more about the distinct forms, read mikefisher's notes on other confirmed sightings of this species in Colorado.
