The Atlantic Holly Azure
Also known as Celastrina idella, the Atlantic Holly Azure is possibly the only Azure species whose larvae depend on the evergreen holly. In Maryland, caterpillars eat flowers of American Holly (Ilex opaca) and in southern locations they consume flowers of Ilex glabra or Ilex vomitoria.
As the name implies, this butterfly is found along the Atlantic coast in the Coastal Plain only ranging from New Jersey to Georgia. It chooses moist forest habitats with vast stands of evergreen holly.
Celastrina idella looks remarkably similar to most other azures, but this species is univoltine with adults on the wing in early spring in Maryland where it is quite rare to find.
Atlantic Holly Azure -male- (Celastrina idella) Charles County, Maryland
The Atlantic Holly Azure
Also known as Celastrina idella, the Atlantic Holly Azure is possibly the only Azure species whose larvae depend on the evergreen holly. In Maryland, caterpillars eat flowers of American Holly (Ilex opaca) and in southern locations they consume flowers of Ilex glabra or Ilex vomitoria.
As the name implies, this butterfly is found along the Atlantic coast in the Coastal Plain only ranging from New Jersey to Georgia. It chooses moist forest habitats with vast stands of evergreen holly.
Celastrina idella looks remarkably similar to most other azures, but this species is univoltine with adults on the wing in early spring in Maryland where it is quite rare to find.
Atlantic Holly Azure -male- (Celastrina idella) Charles County, Maryland