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:

• Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

 

🌸 Nectar Plants

• Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

• Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

• Foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia)

• Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea)

• Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium reptans)

• Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica)

• Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)

• Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum)