Spring Azure Blue
Echo Azure
Celastrina echo
(C. argiolus)
This photo was taken by Laurie Nessel in Fish Creek Canyon, 01 Feb. 2009. The plant is Desert Rock Pea (Lotus rigidus).
Lycaenidae -- Blue and Hairstreak Family
The sight of these silvery blue butterflies in early spring is a welcome site across much of North America. Recent publications have divided spring azures into eight species. Separating them is tough requiring close inspection of especially the reverse sides and period of emergence. In the Sonoran Desert this butterfly is generally found at the higher elevations in partially shady canyons and can be seen on the wing in early spring and again in summer and fall (which might in reality be different species).