Summer Azure

At one time the Azures were regarded as just one species but now it has been decided that there are several species of Azures. Some are the Spring Azures, the Summer Azures and the Dusky Azures. But Dusky azures are common only where there is the larval host plant Goat's beard (Aruncus dioicus). We have none here, but we do have the host plants of Summer Azures: dogwoods, wild black cherries, New Jersey tea, viburnums and sumacs. This delicate little summer Azure butterfly(Celastrina neglecta) is fairly common in our area. Here it is feeding on a Bottle Brush Buckeye flower