‘Summer’ Spring Azure
(Celastrina ladon neglecta)
‘Summer’ Spring Azure sightings, by week (about)
Click to enlargeSouth of Montello, Marquette Co., WI. July 13, 2003.
Click to enlargeChaffee Creek SNA, Marquette Co., WI. July 23, 2004.
Click to enlargeCedar Creek Fisheries Area, Northeast of Redgranite, Waushara Co., WI. August 8, 2003.
Click to enlargeBass Lake SNA, Waushara Co., WI. August 29, 2003.
Click to enlargeLunch Creek Wetlands, Waushara Co., WI. August 29, 2003. Female laying eggs on meadowsweet (Spirea sp.).
The ‘Summer’ Spring Azures are much lighter than the ‘Spring’ Spring Azures below. They look significantly different than the earlier flying subspecies, fly at a different time and are double-brooded. There are enough conflicting reports about the natural history of these species that it is clear that no one really understands completely how these taxa are interrelated. I think that the experts will be arguing about this for some time to come, and I will just continue to enjoy watching these lighter Azures that appear in early summer.
Identifying characteristics: Above, the both the male and female are blue with a varying amount of white and with the female having a wide black border. Below the ‘Summer’ Spring Azure is a light gray with a variety of spots.
Similar species: The ‘Spring’ Spring Azure is much darker below and flies earlier in the the season than this subspecies. In flight this species may be mistaken for any of the other Blues that occur in the state, but are very different from any other species below.
Habitat: Forests and woodland edges. Often seen in city parks.
Flight: At least two broods. A first brood in June and a second brood in late summer.
Abundance: Common throughout Wisconsin.
Recent ‘Summer’ Spring Azure Sightings
| Date seen | County | Reported by |
|---|---|---|
| Yesterday | Dane | SWBA field trip, 38 participants |
| Yesterday | Milwaukee | Mike Reese |
| 08–30–2008 | Florence | Mike Reese |
| 08–24–2008 | Iowa | Mike Reese, David Reese |
| 08–19–2008 | Marquette | Mike Reese |
| 08–18–2008 | Wood | Mike Reese |
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‘Summer’ Spring Azure
Celastrina ladon neglecta