Summer Azure
Scientific Name: Celastrina negleta
Category: insect
Brief Description
A small, delicate blue butterfly often seen fluttering low over shrubs and herbaceous plants in sunny areas during the summer months.
Characteristics
Wingspan is approximately 2.3 to 3.3 cm. The underside is chalky white to pale gray with tiny, faint black pepper-dot spots. The upperside (not visible here) is a bright, iridescent blue with white fringes.
Habitat
Found in open woodlands, forest edges, suburban gardens, and meadows. They are often associated with various host plants like dogwood and New Jersey tea.
When to Find It
Observed primarily from June through August in most temperate regions, following the spring flight of the Spring Azure.
Conservation Status
Secure / Common
Ecological Role
As a generalist herbivore in its larval stage, it consumes various flowers and fruits; as an adult, it serves as a pollinator for many wildflower species.
Easily Confused With
Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon) is nearly identical but flies earlier; Eastern Tailed-Blue has small 'tails' on the hindwings and orange spots.
Observation Tips
Look for them 'puddling' on damp soil to mineralize or resting on green leaves in partially shaded forest margins during midday sun.
Interesting Facts
The larvae of this genus often have a symbiotic relationship with ants; the ants protect the larvae from predators in exchange for a sugary secretion called honeydew.
User Notes
Head Lake, June 2026