Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Dusky Azure
Celastrina nigra (Forbes, 1960)


Family: Lycaenidae
Subfamily: Polyommatinae
Identification: Upperside of male gray-black; female dark with areas of gray-blue. Underside of hindwing with prominent black spots in submarginal row.
Wing Span: 7/8 - 1 1/4 inches (2.2 - 3.2 cm).
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.
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.
NCGR: 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.
Comments: NULL
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