Synonyms: Hodges #4363.4.
The Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) is a member of a very difficult complex of similar, small blue and whitish butterflies found through eastern North America. The species boundaries within Celastrina appear to be difficult to discern, and without microscopic examination or association with host plant, many are best left as Celastrina species. This particular species is associated with Black Baneberry (Black Cohosh) as a larval host, and is ranked as S3 (watch list) in the state of Maryland. This species is univoltine, and flies from early May to early June (Butterflies of Maryland: A Biological Summary and Checklist by Lynn Davidson & Richard Smith).
Averages rather large for an azure, with a very chalky white hindwing. Very similar to Spring Azure Celastrina ladon) and perhaps not safely identified in the field, except by association with its host plant (Brock & Kaufman, 2003). Early instar caterpillars are yellowish, while Summer Azure caterpillars, which can occur on this host plant, are green.
Rich deciduous forest with populations of the host plant.
Appalachian Azure uses Black Baneberry (Actaea racemosa) as a larval host.
There are 24 records in the project database.
| GA | AL | WA | FR | CL | MO | HO | BA | BC | HA | CE | PG | AA | CV | CH | SM | KE | QA | CN | TA | DO | WI | SO | WO |
