The Appalachian Azure is found throughout the central and southern Appalachian Mountains, inhabiting moist, wooded areas. The male displays a soft, light blue upperwing bordered by a thin dark margin along the forewing. The underside of the wings is chalky white, scattered with faint grayish spots. Along the outer edge of the hindwing, a row of dark spots is enclosed by a subtle, zigzagging pale band, adding to its delicate appearance.
“Appalachian Azure” by Pondhawk, licensed under (CC BY 2.0)
Appalachian Azure Facts
Butterfly Family: Gossamer-Winged (Lycaenidae)
Butterfly Subfamily: Polyommatinae
Butterfly Wingspan: 1 1/4 – 1 1/2 inches
Butterfly Habitat: Rich, deciduous woods, especially near streams
🪴Host Plants
These are the plants where females lay eggs and caterpillars feed:
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Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
🌸 Nectar Plants
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Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)
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Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
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Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)
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Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)
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Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)
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Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)
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Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
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Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)