Spring azure facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spring azure |
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| Male, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Washington, United States | |
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| Female, Panama | |
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The spring azure (scientific name: Celastrina ladon) is a beautiful butterfly. It belongs to the Lycaenidae family, which are often called "gossamer-winged butterflies."
You can find this butterfly across a huge part of North America. It lives from Alaska and Canada (south of the coldest tundra regions) all the way through most of the United States. It's not usually found on the Texas coast, the southern plains, or the Florida peninsula. You can also spot it in the mountains as far south as Colombia.
Scientists have studied the spring azure for a long time. In 1983, some experts suggested that C. ladon might actually be a type of C. argiolus, which is another butterfly. This means they thought it was a "subspecies" rather than a completely separate species. However, other scientists still believe that C. ladon and its close relatives, like C. neglecta and C. serotina, are their own distinct species. It's common for scientists to discuss and refine how they classify living things!
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Meet the Spring Azure Butterfly
The spring azure is known for its lovely blue wings. The exact shade of blue can vary. Sometimes it looks bright sky blue, and other times it might be a bit darker. These butterflies are often seen flying in sunny areas. They like open woodlands, gardens, and fields.
What it Looks Like
Male and female spring azures can look a little different. The males often have a more vibrant blue color. Females might have some dark markings on their wings, especially near the edges. The underside of their wings is usually a pale gray or white. This helps them blend in when they are resting.
Where the Spring Azure Lives
This butterfly is very adaptable. It can live in many different habitats. You might see it in forests, parks, and even your backyard. They are common in areas where their favorite plants grow. These plants are important for their caterpillars to eat.
Similar Butterflies
The spring azure has a few relatives that look very similar. It can be tricky to tell them apart! Here are some of them:
- Cherry gall azure (C. serotina)
- Holly azure (C. idella)
- Lucia azure (C. lucia)
- Summer azure (C. neglecta)
In Spanish: Celastrina ladon para niños
