Description
The spring azure is more of a violet blue than the summer azure, and has grayer ventral wing surfaces with duller black spots. Adult females have wider dark dorsal wing margins than males.
Habitat and Habits
The spring azure inhabits trails and roads through woods and woodland edges. It is most likely found in all counties, but it is most common in southern Ohio. It is fond of mud puddles and animal scat. Huge "puddle clubs" can be found on muddy roads, trails, and stream banks.
This species is one of the first hibernating butterflies to appear each spring. On rare occasions it can be found near the Ohio River as early as mid-March. The range of the spring azure in Ohio is not clear due to possible confusion with a newly discovered sibling species.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
The larvae of the spring azure feed on an array of woody plants such as dogwood and wild cherry.
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