Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)

Fairly common but local in rich coves (with host plant Black Cohosh) in the NC mountains, this is the largest of the azures. Most individuals below are *assumed* to be Appalachian Azures due to perceived large size in the field and being observed in the correct habitat with host plants nearby.

Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
Clay Co., NC
19 May 2007

Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
Julian Price Park, Watauga Co., NC
15 May 2020


Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Clay Co., NC 19 May 2007	Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Clay Co., NC 19 May 2007


Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Clay Co., NC 19 May 2007	Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Clay Co., NC 19 May 2007


Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Wilkes Co., NC 23 May 2023	Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Wilkes Co., NC 23 May 2023


Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Alleghany Co., NC 23 May 2023	Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Haywood Co., NC 19 May 2023

Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
Alleghany Co., NC
23 May 2023

Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
Wilkes Co., NC
23 May 2023

Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor)
Madison Co., NC
18 May 2023


Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) Haywood Co., NC 19 May 2023


Clay Co., NC 22 May 2005	Same individual; note rich blue showing on front edge of dorsal wing. This azure was much larger than nearby Summer Azures.


Clay Co., NC 21 May 2005	Worn female Buncombe Co, NC 26 June 04

	Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) caterpillar Buncombe Co., NC 8 July 2006 Appalachian Azure caterpillars feed on Black Cohosh (Acteae racemosa)
	Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) caterpillar Buncombe Co., NC 8 July 2006 At a distance, they blend in well with dying flower parts.
	Appalachian Azure (Celastrina neglectamajor) caterpillar Buncombe Co., NC 8 July 2006 Some individuals are green with white markings.

Click for a photo taken on the same day of a group of puddling azures. While the right-hand azure was typical "Summer Azure" size, the left-hand azure seemed to be the size of an Appalachian. However, 26 June is awfully late for fresh male Appalachian azures at a lower elevation than the worn female pictured above...

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Created on ... July 15, 2003 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com