Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

  Sighting 1355125

Northern Azure
Celastrina lucia

Observation date: May 06, 2023
Submitted by: Severino Carbone
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: None.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jmgesell
Verified date: May 07, 2023
Coordinator notes: This individual is on the border between the ranges of the C. ladon (Spring Azure) and C. lucia (Northern Azure). It is not a definitive border, with likely a generous “blend zone” present between the two species before you become all lucia to the north, and all ladon to the south. Currently, it is easier to call this individual a Northern in this location, but that may fluctuate in the near future as new genetic research and more definitive boundaries arise (For example, see “What Azure Blues occur in Canada” study by Schmidt and Layberry, which in 2016 highlighted a more defined range in the Province of Ontario). -jmgesell
Checklist region(s): United States, New York, Otsego County